Final answer:
The obese-prone genotype may confer an evolutionary advantage in times of food scarcity as it aligns with the good genes hypothesis, suggesting traits like efficient metabolism are an honest signal of genetic fitness and can increase offspring survival.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the evolutionary advantage of possessing an obese-prone genotype. Based on the options provided and the supporting information, the evolutionary advantage that Pierce and colleagues might propose for an obese-prone genotype could be a) In times of food scarcity. This is due to the concept that individuals with traits such as a more efficient metabolism or a greater capacity to store energy would be favored by natural selection in periods where food is scarce, as they would have a better chance of survival. This aligns with the good genes hypothesis of sexual selection, which suggests that certain traits, including the ability to survive under strenuous conditions, may serve as an honest signal of superior genetic fitness.
It is these traits, influenced by heritability, that may increase the likelihood of survival and contribute to reproductive success. In evolutionary terms, possessing certain advantageous traits can mean that individuals will be more likely to have more offspring, thereby propagating these traits geographically through the population.