Question

Imagine that there are twenty-five different species of protists living in a tide pool. Some of these species reproduce both sexually and asexually, and some of them can reproduce only asexually. The pool gradually becomes infested with disease-causing viruses and bacteria. Which species are more likely to thrive in the changing environment?

A) the sexually reproducing species
B) the asexually reproducing species
C) Sexually and asexually reproducing species are equally likely to thrive.

Answer 1

Protists that can switch from asexual to sexual reproduction are more likely to thrive in a changing environment because sexual reproduction allows them to produce genetically diverse offspring and adapt to new conditions. Additionally, the formation of resistant cysts can help protists survive stressful conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sexual reproduction allows protists to recombine genes and produce new variations of progeny that may be better suited to surviving changes in the environment. Protists that can switch from asexual to sexual reproduction have an advantage in a changing environment because they can produce genetically diverse offspring. Additionally, some protists are capable of forming resistant cysts that allow them to wait out stressors until their environment becomes more favorable for survival.