The production of egg cells by meiosis is called oogenesis. Oogenesis is the process through which the female gametes, or egg cells (ova), are produced in the ovaries of female animals.
During oogenesis, a diploid precursor cell undergoes meiosis, ultimately resulting in the formation of haploid egg cells. This process involves several stages, including the growth and maturation of the primary oocyte, followed by a series of meiotic divisions that yield a mature egg cell along with polar bodies, which eventually degenerate.
Unlike spermatogenesis, which produces four viable sperm cells from each precursor cell, oogenesis typically results in one functional egg and a few polar bodies. This reflects the need for the egg cell to be larger and more nutrient-rich to support early development if fertilization occurs.