Hydras are animals related to coral and jellyfish. Hydras can reproduce sexually or asexually. Why would hydras avoid reproducing asexually when conditions are difficult?
A. Reproducing more rapidly would be a good way to take advantage of plentiful resources.
B. The lack of genetic diversity could mean that all of the hydras die, depending on the situation.
C. The high genetic diversity could mean that all of the hydras die, depending on the situation.
D. Reproducing more slowly would be a good way to take advantage of plentiful resources.
B. The lack of genetic diversity could mean that all of the hydras die, depending on the situation.
B. The lack of genetic diversity could mean that all of the hydras die, depending on the situation.
To answer this question, we need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of sexual and asexual reproduction in hydras and how those factors relate to difficult conditions.
A. Reproducing more rapidly would be a good way to take advantage of plentiful resources.
This option is incorrect because reproducing more rapidly (asexual reproduction) would indeed allow hydras to take advantage of plentiful resources. However, the question asks why hydras would avoid reproducing asexually when conditions are difficult, implying that resources are scarce.
B. The lack of genetic diversity could mean that all of the hydras die, depending on the situation.
This option is correct. Asexual reproduction produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent, resulting in low genetic diversity within the population. In difficult conditions, such as changes in the environment or the presence of a harmful pathogen, having low genetic diversity makes the population more susceptible to a potential threat. If the entire population is genetically similar, a single unfavorable condition could wipe out the entire population.
C. The high genetic diversity could mean that all of the hydras die, depending on the situation.
This option is incorrect. High genetic diversity within the population is generally beneficial because it provides a higher chance that at least some individuals will possess traits that enable them to survive challenging conditions. Therefore, high genetic diversity would be advantageous, not a disadvantage.
D. Reproducing more slowly would be a good way to take advantage of plentiful resources.
This option is incorrect because it suggests that hydras should reproduce at a slower rate (sexual reproduction) in the presence of plentiful resources. However, when resources are abundant, reproducing more rapidly (asexual reproduction) allows them to take full advantage of the available resources. The question specifically asks about difficult conditions where resources are scarce.
Therefore, the correct answer is B. The lack of genetic diversity could mean that all of the hydras die, depending on the situation.