The chief advantage of encystment to an Amoeba is

Options

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

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Encystment**: Encystment is a process where an organism, such as an Amoeba, forms a protective cyst around itself. This typically occurs in response to unfavorable environmental conditions.

2. **Conditions for Encystment**: The process is triggered when the Amoeba encounters adverse conditions, such as lack of food, extreme temperatures, or desiccation (drying out).

3. **Formation of the Cyst**: During encystment, the Amoeba withdraws its pseudopodia (the temporary projections used for movement and feeding) and secretes a thick, three-layered protective covering around itself. This covering is known as the cyst.

4. **Purpose of Encystment**: The primary advantage of encystment is that it allows the Amoeba to survive during these unfavorable conditions. The cyst protects the Amoeba from harsh environmental factors, effectively putting it in a dormant state until conditions improve.

5. **Resuming Activity**: Once favorable conditions return, the Amoeba can emerge from the cyst. It can then undergo multiple fission, a process of asexual reproduction, to produce new Amoeba cells.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the chief advantage of encystment for an Amoeba is its ability to survive during adverse physical conditions.

---