The correct answer is b) increasing genetic variation. Meiosis is the process of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and egg cells) for sexual reproduction. During meiosis, there is a shuffling and recombination of genetic material from both parents, resulting in new combinations of genes in the offspring. This process leads to increased genetic variation in a population, which is important for adaptation and evolution. Mitosis, on the other hand, plays a more significant role in processes such as growth, development, and tissue repair, as well as in asexual reproduction.
