Final answer:
Bdelloid rotifers maintain genetic diversity through horizontal gene transfer and extended dormancy of eggs, compensating for their exclusive parthenogenetic reproduction and avoiding the deleterious effects of a loss of sex.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bdelloid rotifers have managed to maintain genetic diversity despite their exclusive use of parthenogenetic reproduction. Absence of mate requirement and faster population growth are some benefits of this form of asexual reproduction, yet bdelloids risk the accumulation of deleterious mutations and reduced genetic variation. They circumvent some of these potential disadvantages by the remarkable ability to acquire genes from other organisms, a process known as horizontal gene transfer. This borrowed genetic material can constitute up to 10% of their genome, suggesting a significant role in maintaining genetic health despite the loss of sex. Furthermore, the long-term viability of bdelloid rotifers is also supported by their eggs' capacity for extended dormancy, enabling them to withstand adverse conditions.
The Red Queen Hypothesis posits that the preservation of sex among other species can be due to the need to adapt to ever-changing environments and the coevolution with other organisms. However, the bdelloid's unique genetic strategy allows them to persist and adapt without conventional sex, albeit taking a different evolutionary path than most sexual organisms.