Question

The alga Powellsia pikocensis is typically a unicellar species. Occasionally it is multicellular; clusters of cells have been found in arsenic-rich hotsprings in western Montana and Wyoming. It has been determined that clusters form because cells undergoing reproduction fail to separate. You are interested in whether natural selection can act on cell clusters rather than on individual cells. Which of the following statements would support the hypothesis that clusters are capable of evolution?a. Clusters reproduce by breaking off pieces to form smaller clusters b. Larger clusters are more homeostatic than smaller clusters c. Clusters reproduce less frequently than single cells d. Single cells are more abundant than clusters d. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answers are statements a and b.

Explanation:

The clusters of cells can exhibit the capability of evolution if it fits into three conditions, that is, possessing the tendency of reproducing, variation in clusters and that variation need to be hereditary, and the clusters shall pass fitness, that is, clusters must be abundant in comparison to the single cells.  

The given first statement indicates that clusters possess the tendency to reproduce by the process of fragmentation. Thus, it supports the hypothesis that the clusters possess the tendency to evolve. The second statement indicates that clusters are more fit, therefore, it also supports the hypothesis.  

The third statement is contrary to the hypothesis. Therefore, it does not support the hypothesis. The fourth statement is in contrast to fitness, more abundancy shows more fitness. Therefore, it also does not support the hypothesis. Hence, the correct statements are a and b.