Which of the Following Factors May Have Favored the Evolution

Question

Which of the following factors may have favored the evolution of simple multicellularity?
A)increased ability to avoid predation
B)increased ability to maintain a position in the water column
C)increased ability to remain in a location that is favorable for growth
D)increased ability to generate water currents for feeding
E)All of these choices are correct.

Accepted Answer

All of these factors could have favored the evolution of simple multicellularity. Increased ability to avoid predation could have been achieved through the formation of larger, more complex organisms that were more difficult to consume. Maintaining a position in the water column would have been easier for larger organisms that had greater buoyancy or the ability to actively swim. Simple multicellularity could have allowed for the specialization of different cells within an organism, which would have allowed it to remain in an environment that was more favorable for growth. Finally, the ability to generate water currents for feeding would have been easier for larger, more complex organisms with specialized structures like sponges or filter-feeding organisms.