A pied kingfisher in its first year of life helps in the feeding of three full siblings who would not have made it without the helper's efforts.In this first year the bird does not raise any of its own offspring.In the second year of its life the pied kingfisher mates and raises two of its own offspring.After the first two years what is the inclusive fitness of the pied kingfisher?
A)0)75
B)1)50
C)2)50
D)3)00
E)None of the above is correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The inclusive fitness of an individual is the sum of its direct fitness (offspring produced) and indirect fitness (offspring helped to survive and reproduce). In this scenario, in the first year, the pied kingfisher helped to feed and ensure the survival of three full siblings, which contributes to its indirect fitness. In the second year, it raised two of its own offspring, contributing to its direct fitness. Therefore, its inclusive fitness would be the sum of these two components: indirect fitness (3) + direct fitness (2) = 5. Dividing this by the average number of offspring that would survive without any help (2.0) gives us an inclusive fitness of 2.50.

A Pied Kingfisher in Its First Year of Life Helps