Daphnia is a micro-organism that is hunted by other microorganisms. It has the ability to alternate between asexual and sexual reproduction depending on the population density and environmental conditions. If the competition for resources is high, it sexually reproduces; otherwise, it reproduces asexually. Discuss how this ability to switch its reproductive strategy is beneficial when:

a)The population is small.

b)When the population is large, and resources are limited (dependable environment)

c)How could heavy predation affect the population? Think in terms of density and reproductive strategy.

d)Do you think they would be iteroparous or semelparous and why? Semelparous—small and short life span, high predation, no parental care, high number of offspring, type III survivorship.