The number of chromosomes in each body cell remains the same from one generation to the next in sexually reproducing species as a direct result of meiosis.

Here's why:

* Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and egg cells).

* Gametes have half the number of chromosomes as the parent cells. This is crucial for maintaining the chromosome count across generations.

* When two gametes (sperm and egg) fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote has the full complement of chromosomes, one set from each parent.

Therefore, meiosis ensures that each generation inherits the correct number of chromosomes from its parents.