Assess which of the following variants from a population would have the maximum relative fitness.

Question

Assess which of the following variants from a population would have the maximum relative fitness.

I. Variant that matures and becomes fertile early and is short-lived.

II. Variant that matures and becomes fertile early and is long-lived.

III. Variant that is robust, long-lived, and sterile.

IV. Variant that matures and becomes fertile late and is long-lived.

Answer 1

The variant that matures and becomes fertile early and is long-lived (II) would have the maximum relative fitness. This is because it can reproduce for a longer period of time, increasing its chances of passing on its genes to the next generation. Additionally, maturing and becoming fertile early increases the number of reproductive opportunities. The variants that mature and become fertile early but are short-lived (I) or robust and long-lived but sterile (III) would have lower fitness as they are unable to contribute genetically to the next generation. The variant that matures and becomes fertile late and is long-lived (IV) would also have lower fitness as it has fewer reproductive opportunities.