Meiosis is a type of cell division that occurs in sexually reproducing organisms to produce gametes, such as sperm and egg cells. This process involves two rounds of cell division, resulting in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes as the original parent cell. Meiosis plays a crucial role in genetic variation and ensures that offspring receive a unique combination of genetic material from both parents. The process of meiosis involves stages such as prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, and is essential for sexual reproduction and the formation of new individuals in many organisms.