Rank the steps of meiosis I in the order in which they occur, beginning with the first phase at the top.

The steps of meiosis I, in the order in which they occur, are as follows:

1. Prophase I: Chromosomes condense, homologous chromosomes pair (synapsis), and crossing over occurs.
2. Metaphase I: Paired homologous chromosomes align at the equatorial plane of the cell.
3. Anaphase I: Homologous chromosomes are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.
4. Telophase I: The chromosomes reach the poles, and the nuclear membrane may reform, followed by cytokinesis to divide the cytoplasm.

After these steps, meiosis II will proceed, but those steps are not part of meiosis I.