Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Organisms and Populations

Question:

Read the passage and answer the following questions :

Organisms evolve in their respective habitats to maximize their reproductive fitness, also known as Darwinian fitness, which is often measured by a high "r" value. They adapt to the specific selection pressures present in their environment by developing the most efficient reproductive strategies. This includes variations in breeding frequency and the number and size of offspring produced.Some organisms, such as Pacific salmon fish and bamboo, exhibit a strategy known as semelparity, where they breed only once in their lifetime. In contrast, most birds and mammals follow an iteroparous strategy, breeding multiple times throughout their lives. Additionally, some species, like oysters and pelagic fishes, produce a large number of small-sized offspring, while others, such as birds and mammals, produce a small number of large-sized offspring.The desirable reproductive strategy for maximizing fitness depends on the specific conditions and selection pressures within the habitat. Ecologists emphasize that the evolution of life history traits is influenced by the constraints imposed by the abiotic and biotic components of the environment. Factors such as resource availability, competition, predation, and other ecological interactions shape the evolution of these traits. In summary, populations evolve to maximize reproductive fitness in their habitats, and the specific reproductive strategies and traits they adopt depend on the selection pressures and constraints present in their environment. Ecologists investigate these relationships to uncover the mechanisms behind the evolution of life history traits and their ecological significance.

Why do organisms evolve specific reproductive strategies?

Options:

To maximize reproductive fitness in their habitats

To increase their lifespan

To reduce competition

To adapt to human-made environment

Correct Answer:

To maximize reproductive fitness in their habitats

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (1) -To maximize reproductive fitness in their habitats

Organisms evolve specific reproductive strategies to maximize their reproductive fitness in their respective habitats. Reproductive fitness, often referred to as Darwinian fitness, is the ability of an organism to pass on its genes to the next generation. It is a measure of an organism's success in producing offspring that can also reproduce. The strategies that organisms develop are tailored to the specific selection pressures and environmental conditions they face, which include factors such as resource availability, competition, predation, and other ecological interactions.