During meiosis, the number of chromosomes in the final product ( the gametes ) are reduced

for a different answer set the answer would be because the oxygen in the water had depleted (apex)

in addition to being able to metabolize, grow, digest food, and excrete wastes, what other functions must an organism perform if it is to survive? survival also depends on the ability to maintain one's boundaries, to move, to respond to stimuli, and to reproduce. oxygen is a survival need.