(N/A) Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the production of haploid gametes $(n)$.
In sexually reproducing organisms, the fusion of two haploid gametes (male and female) during fertilization restores the original diploid chromosome number $(2n)$ in the zygote.
Thus, while meiosis itself is a reductional division, it is essential for maintaining the constant chromosome number characteristic of a species across generations.
Additionally, meiosis introduces genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment, which is crucial for evolution.