Question

Why do females have more parental investment than males?

1) Females are competing for males spending more energy on reproduction.
2) Eggs are larger and more expensive than ejaculates.
3) Females spend most of their energy giving birth to offspring.
4) Males devote most of their time to the offspring after fertilization.

Answer 1

Females have more parental investment than males due to energy expenditure, the cost and size of gametes, pregnancy and birth, and the difference in male parental care.

Step-by-step explanation:

Females have more parental investment than males due to several reasons:

1. Energy expended in reproduction: Females often compete for males and need to spend more energy and resources to attract and secure a mate.
2. Cost and size of gametes: Eggs are larger and more energetically expensive to produce than ejaculates, so females invest more in each reproductive event.
3. Pregnancy and birth: Females devote significant energy and time to carry and give birth to offspring, which requires substantial parental investment.
4. Male parental care: Although not specifically mentioned in the options, it's worth noting that in many species, males contribute less to parental care and invest more in mating and competing for mates.

These factors contribute to females having a higher degree of parental investment compared to males.