Final answer:
True, if an organism does not mate, its reproductive success is zero. However, this is in the context of sexual reproduction. Asexual organisms or those with alternative reproductive strategies can reproduce without a mate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement If you don't mate, your reproductive success is zero is generally true in a biological context. Reproductive success is a term used to describe the passing of genes onto the next generation by producing offspring. In a scenario where an organism does not mate, it typically cannot contribute genetically to future generations, thus its reproductive success would indeed be zero.
In terms of adaptations for reproductive success, males of species with external fertilization may develop traits like the ability to release a large quantity of sperm to increase the chances of egg fertilization. For internal fertilization, adaptations could include the development of behaviors or morphologies that allow for successful mating with females.
However, reproductive strategies are not always straightforward. Certain species reproduce asexually, ensuring that every individual can contribute genetically without the need for a mate. Some fungi, for example, can reproduce with different mating types (+ or -). If a mutation occurs inhibiting the production of one mating type (-), depending on the species, it might still be able to reproduce asexually or not at all.
Energy is a crucial factor in reproduction. High energy availability may allow for both production of viable offspring and maintenance of the female's own survival, whereas low energy may lead to strategic behavior changes to maximize reproductive success. Some species, such as yeast, have been shown to reproduce sexually or asexually depending on the environmental stress levels, affecting their fitness.