Hydras are animals related to coral and jellyfish. Hydra can reproduce sexually or asexually. Why would hydras avoid reproducing asexually when conditions are difficult?

Question

Hydras are animals related to coral and jellyfish. Hydra can reproduce sexually or asexually. Why would hydras avoid reproducing asexually when conditions are difficult?

Reproducing more slowly would be a good way to take advantage of plentiful resources

Reproducing more rapidly would be a good way to take advantage of plentiful resources

The lack of genetic diversity could mean that all of the hydras die, depending on the situation

The high genetic diversity could mean that all of the hydras die, depending on the situation

Answer 1

The second option, "Reproducing more rapidly would be a good way to take advantage of plentiful resources," would be more appropriate. In difficult conditions, hydras would want to reproduce more rapidly to take advantage of any available resources before they become depleted. Asexual reproduction would allow for faster population growth and the occupation of new habitats.