speaking from an evolutionary standpoint, would you say

mitosis preceded meiosis

or

meiosis preceded mitosis

or

synapse preceded cell division

or

cell division preceded synapse.

From an evolutionary standpoint, the order in which mitosis, meiosis, synapse, and cell division originated is not necessarily straightforward to determine. However, scientists believe that cell division (including both mitosis and meiosis) likely preceded the development of synapses.

To understand why this may be the case, let's start with the basics:

1. Cell Division: Cell division is the process by which a single cell divides to form two or more daughter cells. Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that produces cells with half the chromosome number (e.g., sperm and egg cells).

2. Synapse: A synapse is a junction between two nerve cells that allows them to communicate with each other. Synapses are crucial for the transmission of signals in the nervous system.

Now, let's consider the evolutionary perspective:

Cell division, in its simplest form, is a fundamental process that allows organisms to grow, develop, and reproduce. Early life forms likely underwent simple forms of cell division, such as binary fission in prokaryotes or cell cleavage in single-celled eukaryotes. These processes did not involve the complex machinery and mechanisms found in mitosis and meiosis.

As life evolved and became more complex, the development of synapses became advantageous. Synapses allowed for the coordination of signals between individual cells, leading to more efficient communication and response systems. Synaptic connections were likely present in early multicellular organisms, including in those that underwent simple forms of cell division.

With the development of more specialized cell types, including cells involved in sexual reproduction, meiosis likely evolved. Meiosis allows for the exchange and recombination of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, leading to genetic diversity and the potential for adaptation thual reproduction. Meiosis likely developed alongside the evolution of sexual reproduction.

To summarize, based on current scientific knowledge and assumptions, it is believed that cell division (including mitosis and meiosis) preceded the development of synapses. As cells became more specialized and complex, synapses evolved as a means for enhanced communication between cells. Meiosis likely developed later as part of the reproductive strategies of multicellular organisms.