The reproductive success of primate females is constrained mainly by
A) the energetic costs of pregnancy and lactation.
B) the availability of males.
C) a female's genetic makeup.
D) a female's ability to attract mates.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energetic costs of pregnancy and lactation are significant for primate females, and can limit their reproductive success by impacting their ability to produce, care for, and wean offspring. While the availability of males and a female's ability to attract mates can certainly impact reproductive success, these factors are not as consistently and predictably limiting as the energetic costs of reproduction. A female's genetic makeup is also important, but it is not necessarily a constraining factor on a day-to-day basis.

The Reproductive Success of Primate Females Is Constrained Mainly by