Question

Why is long-term parental care not associated with having many offspring during a reproductive episode?

a) Long-term care increases the survival rate of offspring.
b) Long-term care limits the number of reproductive episodes.
c) Long-term care requires intensive investment per offspring.
d) Long-term care is more common in species with larger litter sizes.

Answer 1

Long-term parental care limits the number of reproductive episodes and therefore the number of offspring. By focusing on ensuring the survival and well-being of each individual offspring, the chances of successful reproduction are increased in the long run.

Step-by-step explanation:

Long-term parental care is not associated with having many offspring during a reproductive episode primarily because of option b: long-term care limits the number of reproductive episodes.

When organisms invest in long-term parental care, they devote a significant amount of time and energy to raising each offspring. This limits their ability to reproduce frequently, resulting in a smaller number of offspring per reproductive episode.

By focusing on ensuring the survival and well-being of each individual offspring, the chances of successful reproduction are increased in the long run.