Chapter 53, Problem 5IQ

a.

Summary Introduction

To determine: The reasons due to which an organism cannot reproduce early, have large numbers of offspring at a time, and live a long life.

Introduction: The life history of an organism involves the traits that reflect the tradeoffs between survival and reproduction. The life history variables include the age at first reproduction, the process by which an organism reproduces, and the number of offsprings produced in each reproductive episode.

b.

Summary Introduction

To determine: Whether the given statements can be considered as r-selected or K-selected.

Introduction: The natural selection favors the different traits of life history at different densities of population. The population can either experience K-selection (density-dependent selection) or r-selection (density-independent selection).