Match List-I with List-II.
| List-I | List-II |
| A. Darwinian fitness | I. High r value |
| B. Oysters | II. Produce a large number of small-sized offspring |
| C. Birds | III. Produce a small number of large-sized offspring |
| D. Life history traits | IV. Evolved in relation to the constraints imposed by the abiotic and biotic components of the habitat |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
Populations evolve towards the most efficient way of reproducing in their habitat. The book calls this life history variation.
(A) Darwinian fitness — this matches (I) High r value. Populations evolve to maximise their reproductive fitness, also called Darwinian fitness, which is a high r value.
(B) Oysters — this matches (II) Produce a large number of small-sized offspring. Oysters and pelagic fishes release very many small offspring.
(C) Birds — this matches (III) Produce a small number of large-sized offspring. Birds and mammals produce few offspring, each of large size.
(D) Life history traits — this matches (IV) Evolved in relation to the constraints imposed by the abiotic and biotic components of the habitat. This is how ecologists explain why different species follow different strategies.
So the correct match is A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV.
NCERT Extract:
Life History Variation – “Populations evolve to maximise 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 number of large-sized offspring (birds, mammals). So, which is desirable for maximising fitness? Ecologists suggest that life history traits of organisms have evolved in relation to the constraints imposed by the abiotic and biotic components of the habitat in which they live.”