Question

Which statement(s) help explain why opossums on Sapelo Island produce smaller litters?

1) 1) they invest more in cell repair
2) 2) they are more likely to live to old age
3) 3) they produce more litters over their lifetime
4) 4) all of the above
5) 5) none of the above

Answer 1

Opossums on Sapelo Island likely produce smaller litters because they invest in long-term survival through cell repair, have a likelihood of old age, and reproduce more litters over a lifetime, which is in line with organisms that provide extensive parental care. The correct answer is option 4.

Step-by-step explanation:

To explain why opossums on Sapelo Island produce smaller litters, we should consider life history strategies and the relationship between fecundity and parental care. The statement that best helps explain this phenomenon is '4) all of the above' because:

• Opossums may invest more in cell repair, which can lead to longer lifespans, thus ensuring survival even with fewer offspring.
• Investment in parental care often means offspring are more likely to live to old age, making it feasible to have smaller litters.
• If opossums produce more litters over their lifetime, the need for a large number of offspring at once is reduced.

These factors combined suggest that opossums on Sapelo Island adopt a life history strategy that favors fewer but potentially more successful offspring, a common trait among organisms with substantial parental care.