which statement explains the importance of meiosis in maintaining chromosome numbers? the total number of chromosomes is doubled during meiosis. this happens in interphase when the dna is copied. at the end of meiosis ii, each reproductive cell will end up with two times the total number of chromosomes. during fertilization, this number is cut in half. the total number of chromosomes is divided in half during meiosis. when the sperm and the egg unite, the number of chromosomes returns to the diploid number. at the end of meiosis ii, each reproductive cell has the same number of chromosomes as the original cell. this happens because the chromosomes duplicate and then separate.