What is the significance of meiosis?
Meiosis is the mechanism by which conservation of specific chromosome number of each species is achieved across generations in sexually reproducing organisms. Though meiosis results in reduction of chromosome number by half to produce haploid gametes, fertilisation restores the diploid phase, thus maintaining the chromosome number constant across generations.
Meiosis also increases the genetic variability in the population of organisms from one generation to the next. These variations are very important for the process of evolution.
Explanation
The textbook explicitly states the significance of meiosis in section 10.5. Two main points are highlighted: (1) conservation of chromosome number across generations despite reduction division, and (2) increase in genetic variability which is essential for evolution. The context also explains that meiosis ensures production of haploid gametes while fertilisation restores the diploid phase.