A species of asexually reproducing bacteria can have new offspring in 40 minutes, and a species of sexually reproducing salamanders can have new offspring in 48 months.

Question

Which statement best describes this situation?

This is a disadvantage for both species.
This is a disadvantage for the bacteria and an advantage for the salamanders.
This is an advantage for the bacteria and a disadvantage for the salamanders.
This is an advantage for both species.

Answer 1

The statement that best describes the situation is:

This is an advantage for the bacteria and a disadvantage for the salamanders.

Asexually reproducing bacteria can reproduce much more quickly (every 40 minutes) compared to sexually reproducing salamanders (every 48 months). This rapid reproduction allows bacteria to quickly increase their population size and adapt to environmental changes, giving them a significant advantage in terms of reproduction speed. In contrast, the longer reproductive cycle of the salamanders can be seen as a disadvantage in terms of population growth and adaptation.