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 10 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 one offspring that lives to reproduce

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Success in an evolutionary sense is measured by the number of offspring an organism leaves that survive to reproduce. Option B leaves behind 10 offspring who all survive to reproduce, making it the most successful in an evolutionary sense.

Which of These Individuals Is Likely to Be Most Successful