• Question: Why are some organisms unicelulares?

    Asked by Julen to Carrie, Cedric, Ellen, Ines, Rupert on 13 Mar 2017.
    • Photo: Ellen Williams

      Ellen Williams answered on 13 Mar 2017:

      I think it is just simply that some more simple (or maybe basic is a better word) organisms are unicellular. They haven’t needed to evolve into anything more complex. One of the other guys may have a more scientific answer for this – I just can’t particularly think of a reason as such, sorry!

    • Photo: Cedric Tan

      Cedric Tan answered on 13 Mar 2017:

      Being unicellular can be advantageous relative to being multicellular. For example, unicellular organisms usually reproduce very quickly without sex, this is important in overtaking a new environment.

    • Photo: Ines Goncalves

      Ines Goncalves answered on 13 Mar 2017:

      Well, unicellular organisms came to existence before multicellular ones, so in a way, you can say that’s the default state, and you may ask why are some organisms multicellular? Unicellular organisms have faster life cycles and can reproduce faster than multicellular organisms because you don’t need two organisms to come together to make offspring. Each individual can replicate itself and make offspring. Great when success depends on numbers, not so much hen it depends on diversity. I hope this answers your question at least partly.

    • Photo: Rupert Marshall

      Rupert Marshall answered on 13 Mar 2017:

      Even in multi-cellular organisms, each cell competes to get food and energy – those that don’t get enough, die. Those that do get enough survive to live another day. Some organisms evolved to be single cells on their own – they do better like this. There is no reason beyond the fact that they survived by doing what they do.

    • Photo: Carrie Ijichi

      Carrie Ijichi answered on 14 Mar 2017:

      I think the other scientists have already done a great job answering this for you so I’ll leave this one to them!

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