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Healthy individuals of Paramecium bursaria contain photosynthetic algal endosymbionts of the genus Chlorella. When within their hosts, the algae are referred to as zoochlorellae. In aquaria with light coming from only one side, P. bursaria gather at the well-lit side, whereas other species of Paramecium gather at the opposite side. The zoochlorellae provide their hosts with glucose and oxygen, and P. bursaria provides its zoochlorellae with protection and motility. P. bursaria can lose its zoochlorellae in two ways:
(1) if kept in darkness, the algae will die; and (2) if prey items (mostly bacteria) are absent from its habitat, P. bursaria will digest its zoochlorellae.
Which process in Paramecium results in genetic recombination but no increase in population size?
A) budding
B) meiotic division
C) conjugation
D) binary fission

Question

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Conjugation in Paramecium results in genetic recombination but no increase in population size. This process involves the exchange of genetic material between two Paramecium individuals, resulting in increased genetic diversity but no increase in the number of individuals. Budding and binary fission result in an increase in population size. Meiotic division is a form of sexual reproduction that also results in an increase in population size.

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