Question

A protozoan reproduces by binary fission. What will be the number of protozoans in its population after six generations?

• A. 64
• B. 32
• C. 128
• D. 24

Answer 1

The correct option is A 64

Binary fission :

A protozoan reproduces by binary fission which results in the formation of two daughter cells from a parent cell.

Calculation of the number of protozoan after six generations:

The formula to calculate the number of protozoan after ‘n’ number of generations = $2^n$ ,
where, n = number of generations

Number of generations given are 6
So, n = 6

Thus, number of protozoans after 6 generations = $(2{)}^6$
= 64 protozoans

Final answer:
c.) 64 protozoans