Understand that meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the production of gametes or spores.
Recognize that meiosis consists of two sequential stages: Meiosis I and Meiosis II, each with its own phases.
Identify the phases of Meiosis I: Prophase I, Metaphase I, Anaphase I, and Telophase I. These stages are similar to mitosis but involve homologous chromosomes pairing and crossing over during Prophase I.
Identify the phases of Meiosis II: Prophase II, Metaphase II, Anaphase II, and Telophase II. This stage resembles mitosis and separates sister chromatids.
Note that Interphase is not part of meiosis itself but is the preparatory phase where the cell grows and duplicates its DNA before entering meiosis.