You decide to study two species of birds, both of which form monogamous pairs (one male and one female). In species 1, you find that the eggs in a pair's nest are in fact almost always the offspring of that pair. In species 2, you are surprised to find that many of the eggs in a nest were actually fathered by males of neighboring pairs. Apparently, mating outside of monogamous pairings is widespread in species 2. What would you expect to observe if you examined the reproductive tracts of the female birds in the species?
A) Females of species 2 would have sperm from multiple males in their reproductive tracts.
B) Females of species 1 would have sperm from multiple males in their reproductive tracts, but would only use their partners' sperm to fertilize eggs.
C) Ovaries of species 1 are larger than those of species 2.
D) Females of species 1 would produce more oocytes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Females of species 2 would have sperm from multiple males in their reproductive tracts due to the widespread mating outside of monogamous pairings.

You Decide to Study Two Species of Birds, Both of Which