Which process ensures genetic diversity during reproduction?

• A. Mitosis
• B. Meiosis
• C. Binary fission
• D. Budding

Answer: (B)

Genetic diversity in reproduction comes from meiosis, the process that forms gametes with varied genetic content. During meiosis, crossing over in prophase I shuffles alleles between homologous chromosomes, and the random orientation and separation of chromosome pairs during meiosis I and II create many different combinations of chromosomes in the gametes. When fertilization occurs, these diverse gametes combine to produce offspring with new genetic combinations, increasing variation in the population. Mitosis produces identical diploid cells and doesn’t generate new allele combinations. Binary fission and budding are asexual forms of reproduction, yielding offspring that are typically genetic clones of the parent. So, meiosis is the process that ensures genetic diversity during reproduction.