It has been discovered that certain planktonic larvae of marine organisms select their settlement site using signals that indicate the suitability of the site for sustaining life.Which of the following is the most likely signal initiating this settling response?
A) Visual cue indicating an appropriate physical substrate
B) Visual cue indicating the absence of conspecifics
C) Visual cue indicating the presence of conspecifics
D) Chemical cue indicating the presence of nesting sites
E) Chemical cue indicating the presence of conspecifics

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most likely signal initiating the settling response of planktonic larvae of marine organisms is a chemical cue indicating the presence of conspecifics. This is because many marine organisms, such as corals, oysters, and mussels, release chemical signals that attract larvae to the appropriate settlement site. These chemical cues may also indicate the presence of suitable food or shelter, which is essential for the survival and growth of the larvae. Visual cues, such as the presence or absence of conspecifics or an appropriate physical substrate, may also play a role in the settling response, but it is more likely that chemical cues are the primary signals used by these larvae.

It Has Been Discovered That Certain Planktonic Larvae of Marine