Fishers typically target the largest, and thus, oldest fish. Given this fishing strategy, which of the following would be the most likely outcome due to natural selection over time on life history traits. Which of the following best predicts the effect of natural selection due to this fishing strategy on the life history traits of the commercially popular fish?
A) There would be no change in the life histories of these fish populations as a species' age at reproduction cannot change.
B) A greater proportion of the fish population would be made up of individuals that become reproductively mature at a larger size, and, thus, an older age.
C) A greater proportion of the fish population would be made up of individuals that become reproductively mature at a smaller size, and, thus, an earlier age.
D) A greater proportion of the fish population would be made up of individuals that become reproductively mature at a smaller size, and, thus, an older age.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fishers typically target the largest and oldest fish. If this fishing strategy remains unchecked, it would lead to a decline in the number of older and larger fish in the population. As older, larger individuals are the ones that are most likely to reproduce, this could lead to natural selection favoring individuals that become reproductively mature at an earlier age and smaller size. Therefore, over time, a greater proportion of the fish population would be made up of individuals that become reproductively mature at a smaller size, and, thus, an earlier age.

Fishers Typically Target the Largest, and Thus, Oldest Fish