The biological process that results in genetic variation is known as meiosis. Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes (sperm and eggs) with unique combinations of genes. This process involves two rounds of division and includes stages like crossing over and independent assortment, which shuffle genetic material between homologous chromosomes. The resultant genetic variation is crucial for evolution, adaptation, and the diversity of traits in populations.