What is the definition of deflation?

Why is it important to reduce the number of chromosomes in half when forming gametes for sexual reproduction?

During crossing-over, a. genetic material is exchanged between nonsister chromatids, resulting in new combinations of alleles. b. nonsister chromatids from each homologous chromosome of a tetrad are exchanged, resulting in new combinations of alleles. c. one homologous chromosome of a tetrad is exchanged with another tetrad, resulting in new combinations of alleles. d. sister chromatids from each homologous chromosome of a tetrad are exchanged, resulting in new combinations of alleles. e. genetic material is exchanged between sister chromatids, resulting in new combinations of alleles.

Which process takes place last in the human being which process takes place last in the development of a human being