What are the main events of meiosis?

Telophase I reduces the number of chromosomes to half, maintaining the number of chrosomes in a species after the union of gametes. During the pchytene sub-stage, homologous chrosomes recombine by crossing over and produce new combination of genes. This leads to variations which is raw materials for natural selection.

The main events of meiosis are:

1. Interphase: DNA replication occurs, resulting in the formation of sister chromatids.
2. Prophase I: Chromosomes condense, homologous chromosomes pair up and undergo crossing over.
3. Metaphase I: Homologous pairs align at the metaphase plate.
4. Anaphase I: Homologous chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles of the cell.
5. Telophase I: Chromosomes decondense, and the cell undergoes cytokinesis, resulting in two haploid daughter cells.
6. Prophase II: Chromosomes condense again if necessary, and a new spindle apparatus forms.
7. Metaphase II: Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate.
8. Anaphase II: Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell.
9. Telophase II: Chromosomes decondense, and cytokinesis occurs, resulting in four haploid daughter cells, each genetically distinct from the parent cell.