In a species of bird,some males help the females care for the eggs and young,while other males do not.Young that are cared for by both the male and female are more likely to survive.Which of the following activities by males that do not provide parental care would represent the most beneficial trade-off for the reduced survival of their offspring?
A)attacking the nests of neighboring males
B)mating with additional females and fathering more eggs
C)eating to build up energy stores for migration
D)grooming to eliminate parasites from their feathers

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mating with additional females and fathering more eggs would increase the number of offspring that the male produces, which could potentially offset the reduced survival of his offspring that he is not helping to care for. This is a beneficial trade-off for the male. Attacking nests of neighboring males or grooming to eliminate parasites from feathers would not directly benefit his reproductive success. Eating to build up energy stores for migration may be important for the individual's survival, but it is not clear how it would benefit his reproductive success.

In a Species of Bird,some Males Help the Females Care