Most clams reproduce by releasing gametes into the water, and two gametes must fuse for successful reproduction. Two populations of a single species of clams were both kept under natural light and...

Most clams reproduce by releasing gametes into the water, and two gametes must fuse for
successful reproduction. Two populations of a single species of clams were both kept under
natural light and temperature conditions. The first population was housed separately, one clam
per tank. The second population was kept as a group in a single tank. During the normal midsummer reproductive period, researchers counted an equal number of individuals releasing
gametes in both populations. What hypothesis does this experiment disprove?
a. Competition for food induces a switch to sexual reproduction.
b. Pheromones are necessary for timing gamete release.
c. Light and temperature control pheromone release.
d. Light and temperature control gamete release.