During which phase does meiosis occur in the formation of gametes?

Meiosis is the process of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half and is essential for the formation of gametes, which are sperm in males and eggs in females. This process occurs during gametogenesis, the biological process by which gametes are produced.

During gametogenesis, primary germ cells undergo meiosis to form haploid cells. In males, this takes place in the testes and produces sperm cells, while in females, it occurs in the ovaries to create egg cells. The outcome of meiosis is significant as it ensures genetic diversity and proper chromosome number in the resulting gametes, which is vital for sexual reproduction.

The other phases mentioned—such as ovulation, fertilization, and gestation—do not involve the meiotic division of germ cells. Ovulation refers to the release of a mature egg from the ovary, fertilization is the union of sperm and egg, and gestation is the period of development of the embryo or fetus. Thus, the correct context for meiosis specifically related to gamete formation is within gametogenesis.