What process contributes to genetic diversity in organisms?

The process that contributes to genetic diversity in organisms is meiosis. During meiosis, a type of cell division that occurs in sexually reproducing organisms, gametes (sperm and egg cells) are produced with half the number of chromosomes of the original cell. This reduction in chromosome number is crucial for maintaining the chromosome number across generations when fertilization occurs.

Meiosis involves two rounds of division and includes processes such as crossing over, where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material. This shuffling of genetic information contributes to genetic variation among offspring. Additionally, the independent assortment of chromosomes during meiosis ensures that each gamete contains a unique combination of genes. This variation is essential for evolution and adaptation, as it provides a diverse gene pool from which natural selection can act.

In contrast, options such as asexual reproduction and binary fission involve the reproduction of an organism without the mixing of genetic material, resulting in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent. Mutation, while a source of genetic diversity, occurs randomly and does not involve the structured process that meiosis entails. Therefore, meiosis is the primary process responsible for generating genetic diversity in sexually reproducing organisms.