During which stage of meiosis do homologous chromosomes separate?

Homologous chromosomes separate during Meiosis I, specifically in the anaphase stage of this division. Meiosis I is characterized by the reduction of chromosome number from diploid to haploid, and it includes the pairing of homologous chromosomes, which then align and separate. This separation occurs after they have undergone recombination during prophase I, allowing genetic material to be exchanged between homologs. The movement of these homologous chromosomes to opposite poles of the cell ensures that each daughter cell receives one chromosome from each homologous pair, a critical step for maintaining the correct chromosome number in gametes. Thus, the correct answer identifies this essential aspect of the meiotic process.