Explain how meiosis produces gametes that are genetically different from each other.

Meiosis is a two‑stage division (meiosis I and meiosis II). In meiosis I homologous chromosome pairs separate, so each daughter cell receives one chromosome from each pair. During metaphase I the pairs align independently, giving random distribution of chromosomes (independent assortment). This means each of the four resulting cells (gametes) has a different combination of chromosomes. The cells are haploid, containing half the chromosome number of the parent. Additionally, errors in chromosome segregation or DNA replication during meiosis can introduce mutations, further increasing genetic diversity.