Question

ell growth and division
time in days
which additional observation would provides the strongest evidence that paramecium reproduces asexually?
a. the cells in the colony are genetically different from one another.

b. the colony begins decreasing in number after day 14.

c. the cells in the colony are genetically identical.

d. the cells in the colony become smaller over time.

Explanation:

Asexual reproduction produces offspring genetically identical to the parent (no genetic variation from parent to offspring in asexual reproduction). Option A says cells are genetically different, which is more like sexual reproduction (genetic variation from combining genetic material). Option B (colony decreasing) relates to population dynamics, not reproduction type. Option D (cells getting smaller) doesn't relate to asexual reproduction evidence. Option C (genetically identical cells) matches the result of asexual reproduction (like binary fission in Paramecium, where offspring are clones of the parent).

Answer:

C. The cells in the colony are genetically identical.