NEETZoologyOrganisms and Populations
What is one example of an organism that produces a small number of large-sized offspring?
Options
- APelagic fishes
- BOysters
- CPacific salmon fish
- DMost birds and mammals
Correct answer
D. Most birds and mammals
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