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)

Question

Responses

Reproducing more rapidly 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.

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

Answer 1

The most appropriate response is:

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

When conditions are difficult, hydras may choose to reproduce sexually, which generates genetic diversity in the offspring. This diversity can increase the likelihood that some individuals will have traits that allow them to survive and thrive in challenging environments, whereas asexual reproduction would produce genetically identical offspring, which could be more vulnerable to the same environmental stresses.