Question

which of the following provides an example of a fitness trade-off? group of answer choices dandelions produce numerous seeds, but the seeds are very small and have low individual probability of germinating. rats can have numerous offspring, as long as the environment is favourable. chickadees are able to withstand and survive any environmental condition. douglas fir trees tend to be very long-lived.

Answer 1

The dandelions producing numerous small seeds with a low individual probability of germination exemplifies a fitness trade-off.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the case of dandelions, the trade-off lies between quantity and quality of seeds. While they produce a large number of seeds, the individual probability of germination is low.

This strategy allows them to maximize the chances of dispersal but comes at the cost of reduced success in each seed's ability to germinate and grow into a new plant. This phenomenon is a classic example of a fitness trade-off, where the allocation of resources to one trait (seed quantity) negatively impacts another trait (individual seed germination probability).

Such trade-offs are crucial in understanding the evolutionary strategies organisms employ to optimize their overall fitness in specific environmental conditions.