Which of these individuals is likely to be 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 ten 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

Success in an evolutionary sense is measured by the number of offspring an individual leaves behind who survive to reproduce. Option B clearly satisfies this criterion as the organism leaves behind ten offspring, all of whom survive to reproduce. The other options either have very low reproductive success or do not ensure the survival of the offspring.

Which of These Individuals Is Likely to Be Most Successful