Question

a pond contains many different types of organisms. the table below lists some of these organisms and their methods of reproduction. organism method of reproduction hydra oligactis budding naegleria fowleri binary fission spirodela polyrhiza budding pantala flavescens sperm and egg fusion over time, the pond slowly becomes more acidic due to the release of chemicals from a nearby factory. which of the organisms would most likely survive the change to their environment? a. hydra oligactis, because these organisms would have a low level of genetic variation due to sexual reproduction b. spirodela polyrhiza, because these organisms would have a low level of genetic variation due to asexual reproduction c. pantala flavescens, because these organisms would have a high level of genetic variation due to sexual reproduction d. naegleria fowleri, because these organisms would have a high level of genetic variation due to asexual reproduction

Explanation:

Sexual reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two parents, leading to higher genetic variation. Asexual reproduction (like budding, binary fission) produces offspring that are genetically identical or nearly identical to the parent. In a changing, acidic environment, organisms with higher genetic variation (from sexual reproduction) have a better chance of having traits that allow them to survive. Pantala flavescens reproduces via sperm - egg fusion (sexual reproduction) and thus has a higher level of genetic variation compared to the others which reproduce asexually.

Answer:

C. Pantala flavescens, because these organisms would have a high level of genetic variation due to sexual reproduction