Final answer:
Mitosis results in two identical diploid daughter cells, while meiosis produces four distinct haploid cells, with meiosis contributing to genetic diversity in sexual reproduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that best describes the outcome of both meiosis and mitosis is that mitosis results in the production of two genetically identical daughter cells that are diploid and meiosis produces four genetically distinct haploid cells. Mitosis is integral for growth and repair, producing cells that are exact copies of the parent cell. In contrast, meiosis results in gametes or sex cells, which have half the DNA content of the parent cell and contribute to genetic diversity through independent assortment and crossing-over.
During sexual reproduction, meiosis is responsible for creating unique combinations of alleles which lead to increased variability within a population. This is crucial as it can confer certain advantages in terms of survival and adaptability. Fertilization then fuses two haploid gametes from different parents to form a new diploid organism, thereby restoring the chromosome number.