A species of false spider mite, Brevipalpus phoenicis, is the only animal to have so far been identified as having exclusively haploid cells throughout its life cycle. B. phoenicis populations are entirely female, producing eggs which hatch into more females.
The discovery of the haploid nature of B. phoenicis was a surprise to scientists, who believed that being diploid was essential due to the evolutionary advantage that it provides.
(i)
Identify the type of cell division by which B. pheonicis produces eggs.
[1]
(ii)
Suggest why scientists might think that diploidy provides an evolutionary advantage.
[1]
(iii)
B. phoenicis is a highly successful pest of citrus, tea, and palm plantations. Suggest how B. phoenicis might have evolved to become such a successful pest despite the points covered in parts i) and ii) above.
[1]