The main differences between mitosis and meiosis are as follows:

1. Nature of Division: Mitosis is called equational division as it maintains the same chromosome number in daughter cells. In contrast, meiosis is called reduction division since it reduces the chromosome number by half while making the gametes.

2. Site of Occurrence: Meiosis occurs in the diploid cells which are destined to form gametes. Mitosis occurs in somatic cells for growth and repair.

3. Number of Division Cycles: Meiosis involves two sequential cycles of nuclear and cell division called meiosis I and meiosis II, but only a single cycle of DNA replication. Mitosis involves only one division cycle.

4. Chromosome Behaviour: Meiosis involves pairing of homologous chromosomes and recombination (crossing over) between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes. In meiosis I, homologous chromosomes pair to form bivalents. Such pairing and crossing over do not occur in mitosis.

5. Prophase Duration: Prophase I of meiosis is typically longer and more complex compared to prophase of mitosis. It is subdivided into five phases: Leptotene, Zygotene, Pachytene, Diplotene and Diakinesis.

6. Anaphase Movement: In anaphase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes move to opposite poles with both their chromatids, and each pole receives half the chromosome number of the parent cell. In mitosis anaphase, sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.

7. Number of Daughter Cells: At the end of meiosis II, four haploid daughter cells are formed. Mitosis produces two diploid daughter cells.

8. Genetic Variability: Meiosis increases genetic variability in the population of organisms from one generation to the next, which is important for evolution.