Problem:
Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number from 2n to n to make gametes viable for reproduction in humans. I know that during meiosis, there is independent assortment and crossing over that occurs, which help to make more genetically individual organisms.
Question: Why don't haploid gametes go through mitosis to reproduce instead of diploid germ cells going through meiosis to create more gametes, without considering crossing over and independent assortment?
This is just my opinion, but meiosis seems like a much more energy intensive process. After the germ cells go through meiosis once to create the gametes, I do not see why the gametes don't then just multiply via mitosis (again, not considering crossing over/independent assortment.)
Required:
Question: Is there any specific reason, other than to create more genetically diverse people, that gametes do not undergo mitosis to multiply rather than germ cells undergoing meiosis to make more gametes?
Include source of information for best answer.