Answer:
I would suspect the answer has to do with genetic variation. If we take a closer look at meiosis, we can see that it introduces genetic variation into a population (a group of organisms that can interbreed) in a couple ways: 1. crossing over, 2. independent assortment of chromosomes, and 3. random fertilization. Crossing over refers to the exchange of genetic material between chromosomes in Prophase I of meiosis. Independent assortment of chromosomes refers to the splitting up of pairs of homologs/chromosomes into whatever cell they want, resulting in even more variation. Random fertilization refers to the numerous combinations of diverse sperms and eggs that could result in different zygotes and hence various offspring (variation).
Now, why is genetic variation important (this is likely the key to your answer)? The more genetic variation is present in the population, the more ways that population can respond to environmental changes, invasive species, etc. Overall, genetic variation is a good thing for populations.
P.S. if you eventually get to know the answer to this question, could you please tell me if this answer was correct? thanks, much appreciated. :)
