Question

reproductive strategies unit test
hydras are animals related to coral and jellyfish. hydras can reproduce sexually or asexually. why would hydras avoid reproducing asexually when conditions are difficult? (1 point)

• reproducing more rapidly would be a good way to take advantage of plentiful resources.
• the high genetic diversity could mean that all of the hydras die, depending on the situation.
• the lack of genetic diversity could mean that all of the hydras die, depending on the situation.
• reproducing more slowly would be a good way to take advantage of plentiful resources.

Explanation:

• Asexual reproduction produces offspring with identical genetic material to the parent. So, asexually reproduced hydras have low genetic diversity.
• In difficult conditions, if all hydras have the same genetic makeup, a threat that affects one (e.g., a new disease or environmental change) could affect all, potentially leading to all dying.
• Option 1 is incorrect as asexual reproduction is rapid, but the question is about avoiding it in difficult conditions, not taking advantage of plentiful resources.
• Option 2 is incorrect because sexual reproduction (not asexual) increases genetic diversity.
• Option 4 is incorrect as asexual reproduction is rapid, and the option's reasoning about "reproducing more slowly" and "plentiful resources" does not relate to avoiding asexual reproduction in difficult conditions.

Answer:

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