Rotifer adaptation to the unpredictability of the growing season

Sexual reproduction in cyclically parthenogenetic rotifers results in the production of diapausing eggs that tolerate harsh conditions. Theory predicts that the adaptation to environmental unpredictability can occur by the evolution of bet-hedging strategies. When facing unpredictability in the length of rotifer growing season, patterns of diapausing egg production and hatching can disperse risks and act as bet-hedging strategies. Here, we...