Question

There is evidence of a phenomenon called quorum sensing in rotifers. Under certain conditions, a chemical released by females who usually reproduce asexually results in males being produced. The presence of these males allows sexual reproduction. What conditions would most likely lead to a switch to sexual reproduction?

		1.a change in the environment
		2.not enough individuals in the population
	3.	too many individuals in the population
4.		too many males

Answer 1

The correct answer is option 1 - a change in the environment

Quorum sensing is the ability of the organisms to sense and respond to the changes in the surrounding environment. When rotifers experience changes in environment such as increase or decrease in temperature, they trigger the quorum sensing system. As a result, females reproduce asexually and release sexually active males.