Which of the following statements describes an individual that is likely to be the most successful in an evolutionary sense?
A)a reproductively sterile individual who never falls ill
B)an organism that dies after five days of life but leaves 10 offspring,all of whom survive to reproduce
C)a male who mates with 20 females and fathers one offspring
D)an organism that lives 100 years and leaves two offspring,both of whom survive to reproduce
E)a female who mates with 20 males and produces two offspring who live to reproduce

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Evolutionary success is measured by an individual's ability to pass on their genes to future generations. In this scenario, the individual that dies after 5 days but leaves 10 offspring, all of whom survive to reproduce, is likely to have the greatest number of descendants and therefore the most successful in an evolutionary sense. The other options may have traits that are advantageous in certain circumstances, but they either produce few offspring (A and D) or have limited potential for passing on genes (C and E).

Which of the Following Statements Describes an Individual That Is