Question

Fig wasp populations contain a high proportion of females to males because of local mate competition. This occurs because

a. most of the females do not mate, so fewer males are required.
b. a large number of females can mate with a single male.
c. females reproduce asexually, which does not require males.
d. higher temperatures inside figs result in mostly female offspring.

Answer 1

Fig wasp populations display a polygynous mating system where one male mates with multiple females, leading to a higher proportion of females to males. This efficiency in reproduction is favored evolutionarily as it ensures all eggs are fertilized. The correct option is b. a large number of females can mate with a single male.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question concerns the mating systems of fig wasp populations and why there is a high proportion of females to males, which is attributed to local mate competition. This situation emerges primarily because a single male can mate with numerous females (polygyny), which means that fewer males are needed. This can be explained by the fact that the females establish territories and attract males to the resources they control.

As a result, mating often involves one male and multiple females, and thus, a polygynous mating system is usually in operation. This makes sense from an evolutionary standpoint because it ensures that all available eggs are fertilized and that genetic material is successfully passed on. The females may also be more selective in their choice of mates, further contributing to the skewed sex ratio. The correct option is b. a large number of females can mate with a single male.