When squids that contain luminescent bacterial symbionts hatch, they do NOT contain a bacterial symbiont. Symbiont transmission in this symbiosis is
A) vertical from parent to offspring.
B) horizontal and involves specific selection of the symbiont from the environment.
C) random and results in various different species being selected as the symbiont.
D) mixed and results in multiple symbiont species colonizing the squid at once.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Symbiont transmission in this symbiosis is horizontal and involves specific selection of the symbiont from the environment, as the squids do not contain the bacterial symbiont at hatching and must acquire it from their surroundings.

When Squids That Contain Luminescent Bacterial Symbionts Hatch, They Do