Final answer:
Wolbachia alters the sex ratio of fruit flies and mosquitoes to ensure its transmission through infected eggs, favoring a higher number of female hosts for its propagation.the right answer is A)
Step-by-step explanation:
The microbe Wolbachia has evolved mechanisms to alter the sex ratio of fruit flies and mosquitoes because it is passed only through infected eggs, which means that Wolbachia benefits from a higher number of female hosts. This allows for greater transmission of the bacteria through the population, as males do not transmit the bacteria to the next generation. This reproductive strategy ensures that Wolbachia can continue to spread and maintain its presence within the host species.
For instance, in scenarios where DDT resistance is a factor, such as in fruit flies, reproductive strategies and mate choices become crucial. Males, especially when sperm-depleted, will preferentially choose more fecund females to maximize their reproductive success. This kind of behavior demonstrates how energy resources for reproduction and survival are managed.