Selection is likely to favor fast/short life histories in species
A) that suffer intense predation pressure.
B) that experience a juvenile phase.
C) whose members are able to invest more energy in growth and maintenance.
D) that are subjected to severe competition for nutritional resources needed for reproduction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Intense predation pressure exerts a strong selection pressure for traits that allow an individual to grow quickly, reach maturity early, and produce many offspring quickly before they are killed by a predator.

Answer: B 
 In species with a juvenile phase, individuals that mature quickly and reproduce early have a greater chance of passing on their genes before mortality pressures kick in. This favors fast/short life histories.

Answer: D 
 Severe competition for nutritional resources needed for reproduction favors individuals that can grow and mature quickly so that they can reproduce before resources become scarce. This is more likely to result in fast/short life histories.

Option C is incorrect because it incorrectly states that individuals who invest more energy in growth and maintenance are more likely to have fast/short life histories. In fact, individuals who allocate more resources to growth and maintenance tend to have slower, longer life histories.

Selection Is Likely to Favor Fast/short Life Histories in Species