Multicellularity offers a variety of advantages to an organism; among the most important is
A) reproductive potential-when separated, each individual cell is capable of independent survival.
B) genetic specialization-each cell can eliminate unnecessary genetic material and produce replicate (backup) copies of essential genetic material.
C) adaptive size-single cells remain constrained by the relationship of surface area to volume, but collectively, the organism can enlarge to the extent that is most advantageous.
D) protective-if partially consumed by predators, the remainder of the organism can replenish the missing cells.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adaptive size is one of the most important advantages of multicellularity because, as a larger organism with many cells, an organism can have a larger surface area to volume ratio, which is important for exchange of nutrients and gases with the environment. Single cells are limited in their size because the larger they become, the more difficult it is for them to exchange materials with the environment. By being multicellular, the organism can become large without sacrificing the ability to exchange materials with the environment efficiently.

Multicellularity Offers a Variety of Advantages to an Organism; Among