The chief advantage of encystment of an Amoeba is

Options

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

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Encystment**: Encystment is a process where an organism, such as Amoeba, forms a protective cyst around itself. This is a survival strategy used by many microorganisms.

2. **Purpose of Encystment**: The primary purpose of encystment is to provide protection to the organism during unfavorable environmental conditions. This can include extreme temperatures, lack of food, or desiccation (drying out).

3. **Formation of the Cyst**: When conditions become adverse, Amoeba secretes a three-layered protective cyst made of chitin. This cyst encapsulates the Amoeba, allowing it to become inactive and protected from external threats.

4. **Reproductive Advantage**: Inside the cyst, the nucleus of the Amoeba can still divide through a process called multiple fission. This means that even while encysted, the organism can prepare for future reproduction by forming multiple daughter nuclei.

5. **Resuming Activity**: Once favorable conditions return, the cyst can break open, releasing the daughter Amoeba, which can then grow and reproduce independently.

6. **Identifying the Chief Advantage**: Among the options provided, the chief advantage of encystment is the ability to survive during adverse physical conditions. This is critical for the survival of the species in fluctuating environments.

**Final Answer**: The chief advantage of encystment of an Amoeba is the ability to survive during adverse physical conditions.

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