What is the basic function of meiosis, and why is it necessary?

The purpose of meiosis is to create gametes by increasing the number of chromosomes. It does this by function of reducing the normal diploid cells (2 copies of each chromosome per cell) to haploid cells, called gametes (1 copy of each chromosome per cell). In humans, these special haploid cells resulting from meiosis are eggs (female) or sperm (male).

Purpose of meiosis:sexual reproductiongenetic variation (adaptability) chromosome update and repair

Meiosis is cell division. It is when the diploid cell divides to create gametes. There is an independent assortment of chromosomes in meiosis, through that each daughter cell gets maternally or paternally derived homolog.