Some marine snails (species L) produce large numbers of small eggs that are shed into the sea, hatch at an early stage of development, and feed on microscopic plants. Other marine snails (species S) produce few eggs that are retained for a long time within the body of the mother snail in a brood pouch, hatch at an advanced stage of development, and immediately begin to feed on the surfaces of large plants like the adults. A biologist discovers approximately equal numbers of adults of species L and S in the same area over many generations. While studying the two species of snails, the biologist hypothesizes that the two species expend approximately the same amount of energy producing young. What assumption is the biologist making?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The biologist's assumption is that the two species expend approximately the same amount of energy producing young. This means that, despite the differences in the number and size of eggs produced, the total energy expended by each species in producing offspring is similar. Therefore, if the two species have similar total energy expenditures on reproduction, it suggests that the energy content of the eggs of species S must be higher than that of species L to compensate for the fact that they produce fewer offspring.

Some Marine Snails (Species L) Produce Large Numbers of Small