Stumped on this question :( The timing of when to gain sexual maturity and begin
ID: 43558 • Letter: S
Question
Stumped on this question :(
The timing of when to gain sexual maturity and begin breeding is a tricky one. Imagine a bird species that ordinarily gained sexual maturity in its second year, bred successfully in years 2, 3, and 4, and died at the end of the fourth year. Now imagine there was a simple mutation that allowed the birds to gain sexual maturity during their first year. Describe two situations: (1) under what conditions would this be an advantageous trait to have (i.e., what else would have to happen) and (2) under what conditions would this be a disadvantageous trait to have? Think about average reproductive success at each age and how that might vary depending on when you begin reproducing.
Explanation / Answer
1) Advantage of early sexual maturity would be that the bird would reproduce at a young age. Thus, higher population number will be seen as more offspring will be produced from 1st year till 4th year before death.
2) more disadvantages will be seen than advantages, i.e. when bird will reproduce at a younger age. it will cause weaker progeny birth. also, younger age breeding would be harmful to the bird as bearing young ones would require more energy by the bird. hope i helped you.