Equational division is the type of cell division that occurs during the second meiotic division. This process is also known as meiosis II, which follows after meiosis I. In this division, the number of chromosomes in the cells is not reduced. The parent cell divides into two daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Process of Equational Division:

1. Prophase II: In this stage, the nuclear membrane breaks down, and the spindle fibers start to form. The chromosomes, which consist of two sister chromatids, attach to the spindle fibers.

2. Metaphase II: In this stage, the chromosomes align in the center of the cell, called the metaphase plate. The spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.

3. Anaphase II: In this stage, the sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibers.

4. Telophase II: In this stage, the nuclear membrane reforms around each set of chromosomes, forming two nuclei. The spindle fibers disappear, and the chromosomes begin to unwind.

5. Cytokinesis II: In this stage, the cell divides into two daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Conclusion:

Thus, equational division is an important process in meiosis II, which ensures that the number of chromosomes in the cells is maintained. This process is different from the reductional division, which occurs during the first meiotic division and reduces the number of chromosomes in the cells by half.

The second division in meiosis is called meiosis II and is often referred to as equational division. Meiosis II earns that title because it takes two haploid cells and creates four haploid cells, which means the ploidy number is the same in the daughter cells as in the mother cells.