Which process directly follows meiosis I in the reproductive cycle?

Meiosis I is a crucial phase in the process of gamete formation, resulting in two haploid cells from one diploid cell. The process that directly follows meiosis I is meiosis II. This subsequent stage involves the separation of sister chromatids in each of the cells produced during meiosis I, leading to the formation of four haploid gametes in total.

Meiosis II is analogous to mitosis but occurs without an intervening round of DNA replication. During meiosis II, the haploid cells undergo division where each chromosome, consisting of two sister chromatids, is pulled apart into individual chromosomes, ultimately resulting in four genetically diverse gametes. Understanding this sequence is essential in appreciating how sexual reproduction contributes to genetic variation within a population.