Question

Which factor most likely accounts for the change in the paramecium population from 3 to 20 hours?

A) An increase in the nitrogen content of water.
B) An increase in wastes produced.
C) An increase in available food.
D) An increase in water pH.

Answer 1

An increase in available food is the most likely factor that accounts for the change in the paramecium population.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely factor that accounts for the change in the paramecium population from 3 to 20 hours is an increase in available food. When there is more food available, the paramecium population can grow at a faster rate. This is because more food means there is more energy for the paramecium to reproduce and thrive.

Answer 2

The paramecium population most likely increased due to an increase in available food, which is essential for their reproduction and growth. Osmolarity affects their physiology but the primary factor for population growth is food availability.

Step-by-step explanation:

The factor most likely accounting for the change in the paramecium population from 3 to 20 hours is an increase in available food. Paramecia are single-celled organisms that rely on sufficient food sources such as bacteria, algae, and yeast to reproduce and thrive. When food is plentiful, these organisms can reproduce rapidly, leading to a significant increase in their population size. Other factors, such as osmolarity, can influence their physiological responses like the rate of contraction, but the direct cause of population growth is typically related to resource availability. A decreased osmolarity, which indicates there is more water relative to solutes, would also allow for more water to diffuse into the paramecium, however, it's the availability of nutrients that is most crucial for population growth as it allows for increased reproduction and survival rates.