Step 1: Concept Overview:
Conjugation in *Paramecium* is a sexual reproduction method. It's essential to know that conjugation is the genetic exchange between two *Paramecium* (conjugants), not immediate cell division. Population increase happens after separation.
Step 2: Detailed Process:
1. Pairing and Exchange: Two parent *Paramecia* pair and exchange haploid micronuclei.
2. Separation: The *Paramecia* separate post-exchange, becoming exconjugants. Each now has a diploid zygote nucleus (synkaryon) with a new genetic combination.
3. Nuclear Reorganization: In each exconjugant, the old macronucleus breaks down. The new zygote nucleus divides mitotically to create new micronuclei and macronuclei.
4. Cell Division (Fission): Each exconjugant divides twice via binary fission, yielding four daughter cells.
5. Calculation: With 2 exconjugants, each producing 4 daughter cells, the total is:
\[ \text{Total daughters} = (\text{Number of exconjugants}) \times (\text{Daughters per exconjugant}) \]\
\[ \text{Total daughters} = 2 \times 4 = 8 \]\
Step 3: Conclusion:
Starting with two parent cells, conjugation and subsequent fissions produce 8 daughter cells. Option (C) is therefore correct.