Final answer:
The statement that mothers typically make a larger parental investment than fathers is true. This can be observed in species with long-term parental care, which tend to have fewer offspring, and is also reflected in how household resources are allocated when mothers control a larger share of the family income.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that mothers typically make a larger parental investment in each offspring than fathers is generally considered to be true. In the context of biology, particularly in species that have long-term parental care, there is typically an unequal investment of resources by the two sexes.
According to research, organisms that invest in long-term parental care usually have few offspring. This means there is a greater risk to the survival of the species when a single offspring dies (statement b). In contrast, having many offspring could pose a risk of rapid increase in population, which is not sustainable for the environment or resources available.
Furthermore, studies have shown that when mothers control a larger share of family income, household spending tends to be more focused on the wellbeing and needs of the children, suggesting that mothers' financial control can be positively associated with children's health outcomes.