A rodent species that once experienced much predation now has lower predation risk.As a consequence,the mortality of maturing individuals is reduced.What will be the most likely response to a reduction in mortality?
A) A shift to later reproduction with the benefit of higher fecundity,because individuals are larger
B) A shift to later reproduction at the expense of lower fecundity,because individuals are smaller
C) A shift to earlier reproduction at the expense of lower fecundity,because individuals are smaller
D) A shift to later reproduction with the benefit of higher fecundity,because individuals are smaller
E) A shift to earlier reproduction at the expense of lower fecundity,because individuals are larger

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

With a lower predation risk, individuals have a higher chance of survival to maturity. Therefore, they can afford to delay reproduction until they are larger and have the energy reserves necessary to produce more offspring with higher fecundity. This shift towards later reproduction is a common response to reduced mortality in many species.

A Rodent Species That Once Experienced Much Predation Now Has