NEETZoologyOrganisms and Populations
What do ecologists suggest about the evolution of life history traits of organisms?
Options
- AThey evolve to cope with seasonal changes
- BThey evolve to maximize their physical size
- CThey evolve in relation to constraints imposed by their habitat
- DThey evolve to minimize competition
Correct answer
C. They evolve in relation to constraints imposed by their habitat
Step-by-step solution
Populations evolve to maximize their reproductive fitness, also called Darwinian fitness (high r value), in the habitat in which they live. Under a particular set of selection pressures, organisms evolve towards the most efficient reproductive strategy. Some organisms breed only once in their lifetime (Pacific salmon fish, bamboo) while others breed many times during their lifetime (most birds and mammals). Some produce a large number of small-sized offspring (Oysters, pelagic fishes) while others produce a small n