Answer:
C. They can grow to larger populations more quickly
Explanation:
Bacteria are the <u>key entities</u> of <u>biogeochemical cycle</u>s (Nitrogen, Carbon, Oxygen, etc.) on Earth. The strength of these cycles is typically achieved when they can multiply faster in a relatively <u>short time period</u>. If all bacteria on Earth start reproducing via sexual means only, then many of the biogeochemical cycles would take forever, thus <u>generating nutrients at a slower rate</u>. Since higher organisms (e.g. eukaryotes) depend on the abundant supply of nutrients, the overall life on Earth would be compromised to a larger extent in the absence of sufficient nutrients supply. Thus, it is <u>beneficial for all forms of life that bacteria reproduce mainly via asexual means</u>.
PS: A simple bacterium can produce millions of copies in 24 hours period.
Two factors that influence the phenotype are: (1) the specific genetic information of the individual (its genotype), and (2) environmental influences on the expression of the individual's genetic potential.
In order to answer you would need to post an options list
