Here's why:

* Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes in a cell by half. This is essential for gametes (sperm and egg cells) because when they fuse during fertilization, they create a new individual with the correct number of chromosomes.

* Mitosis, on the other hand, is the type of cell division that produces two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. This is used for growth and repair in the body.

Let me know if you have any other questions!