Question

Why is it important to reduce the number of chromosomes in half when forming gametes for sexual reproduction?

Answer 1

Each male and female sex cell has 46 chromosomes in it. The number of chromosomes are reduced to half(23), so that when the sex cells combine, they also add up to 46(23+23). If the chromosomes did not reduce to half, the number of chromosomes would be off balance and the gamete would not survive.