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

Options

A. 128
B. 24
C. 64
D. 32

Explanation

To solve the problem of how many protozoans will be in the population after six generations of binary fission, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand Binary Fission**: Binary fission is a type of asexual reproduction where a single organism divides into two identical organisms. Each of these then can also divide, leading to exponential growth.

2. **Initial Population**: Start with one protozoan.

3. **Calculate Population Growth**:
- After the **1st generation**: 1 protozoan divides into 2 protozoans.
- Total = 2
- After the **2nd generation**: Each of the 2 protozoans divides into 2, resulting in:
- Total = 2 × 2 = 4
- After the **3rd generation**: Each of the 4 protozoans divides into 2, resulting in:
- Total = 4 × 2 = 8
- After the **4th generation**: Each of the 8 protozoans divides into 2, resulting in:
- Total = 8 × 2 = 16
- After the **5th generation**: Each of the 16 protozoans divides into 2, resulting in:
- Total = 16 × 2 = 32
- After the **6th generation**: Each of the 32 protozoans divides into 2, resulting in:
- Total = 32 × 2 = 64

4. **Final Count**: After the 6th generation, the total number of protozoans is 64.

### Conclusion:
The number of protozoans in the population after six generations of binary fission is **64**.

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