Question

The chief advantage of encystment in an amoeba is :

• A. The ability to survive during adverse physical condtions
• B. The ability to live for some time without ingesting food
• C. Protection from parasites and predators
• D. The chance to get rid of accumulated waste products

Answer 1

The correct option is A The ability to survive during adverse physical condtions

During adverse environmental periods, many amoebas survive by encystment: the amoeba becomes circular, loses most of its water, and secretes a cyst membrane that serves as a protective covering. When the environment is again suitable, the envelope ruptures, and the amoeba emerges.