* Meiosis is a reduction division: It takes a diploid cell (with two sets of chromosomes) and creates four haploid cells (with one set of chromosomes). This means the daughter cells have half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

* Crossing over and independent assortment: During meiosis, chromosomes exchange genetic material (crossing over) and are randomly distributed into daughter cells (independent assortment). This leads to genetic variation and makes each daughter cell genetically unique.

So, while the daughter cells share some genetic material with the parent cell, they are not identical copies. They are genetically distinct and have half the number of chromosomes.