Megaphragma mymaripenne achieves extreme miniaturization during pupation by losing more than what percentage of its nerve cell nuclei?

• A. 80 percent
• B. 95 percent
• C. 99 percent
• D. 60 percent

Answer: (B)

The big idea here is that Megaphragma mymaripenne achieves extreme miniaturization by drastically reducing its nervous tissue during development. Specifically, during pupation more than ninety-five percent of its nerve cell nuclei are lost (enucleated). This massive reduction cuts the space taken up by neurons, helping the insect fit its incredibly tiny body.

Most neurons shed their nuclei but keep their processes intact, so the remaining neural network can still function for the insect’s needs. The fraction of neurons that retain nuclei is small, and the organism relies on that compact core to control essential behaviors.

While some reports can mention figures near one hundred percent, the widely cited and educationally emphasized point is that more than 95% of nerve cell nuclei are lost, which is why this option is the best match.