In animal cells, what are the holes between directly connected cells used for intercellular communication called?

However, they do have specialized junctions called plasmodesmata (singular, plasmodesma), places where a hole is punched in the cell wall to allow direct cytoplasmic exchange between two cells.

Explanation:

the correct answer is: b. pantala flavescens, because these organisms would have a high level of genetic variation due to sexual reproduction.  

because involves two organisms (parents) whose genetic material combines, sexual reproduction leads to genetic variation in new generations of offspring. the offspring is an unique organism, with new genome, more protected with the higher ability to adapted. this process is fundamental to evolution.