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

The lack of 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.
Reproducing more slowly 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 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.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

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

This answer highlights that in challenging environmental conditions, asexual reproduction (which produces genetically identical offspring) may limit the population’s ability to adapt and survive since all individuals could be equally vulnerable to the same threats. In contrast, sexual reproduction increases genetic diversity, which can enhance the population's resilience to changing conditions.