Order of meiotic divisions In meiosis, daughter cells arise through two successive divisions. Which statement correctly describes the order of these divisions?

Introduction / Context:
Meiosis ensures halving of chromosome number for sexual reproduction. Knowing which division reduces ploidy and which separates sister chromatids is central to interpreting genetic outcomes and nondisjunction errors.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Meiosis consists of meiosis I and meiosis II.
• Homologous chromosomes pair and recombine before segregation.
• Sister chromatids remain together through meiosis I (except at chiasmata).

Concept / Approach:
Meiosis I is reductional: homologs segregate to different daughter cells, reducing 2n to n. Meiosis II is equational: sister chromatids separate, akin to mitosis, preserving haploid number.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Most textbooks refer to meiosis I as the reduction division and meiosis II as the equational division.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Equational first then reductional is incorrect.
• Two reductional or two equational divisions do not describe standard meiosis.
• Nondisjunction exceptions exist but do not redefine the canonical scheme.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing chromatid and homolog separation due to both involving “pairs.”

Final Answer:
First division is reductional; second is equational