Question

Most animals cannot live very long without water. However, the larvae of a certain African fly can live for 17 years in a dehydrated state. They can survive an almost total loss of body water. Usually, the larvae live in puddles. When these puddles dry up, the larvae enter a dormant state. Essentially, the larvae of this fly enter a deep sleep during this time. When water is again available, the larvae awaken and grow into flies. What is the unique ability of the larvae of this African fly?

1) They can live without water for 17 years
2) They can survive in a dehydrated state
3) They can enter a dormant state when puddles dry up
4) They can grow into flies when water is available

Answer 1

The larvae of the African fly can survive in a dehydrated state, enter a dormant state when water is scarce, and rehydrate and grow into adult flies when water becomes available.

Step-by-step explanation:

The unique ability of the larvae of an African fly is that they can survive in a dehydrated state. These larvae typically inhabit puddles and when these puddles dry up, the larvae are capable of entering a dormant state. They can remain in this sleep-like state without any water for extended periods, with the provided example being as long as 17 years. When the environment is favorable again and water becomes available, the larvae are able to rehydrate, awaken, and continue their growth into adult flies.