Question

What is the survival value of a fish or frog species that lays hundreds of eggs each time it reproduces compared to a species which lays only a single egg?

Single-egged laying species are generally more reproductively efficient and do not need to lay multiple eggs.

More eggs laid increases the likelihood that more males will be attracted to the eggs for fertilization.

There is no survival value for the species, only for the individual.

More eggs laid increases the likelihood that more offspring will survive predation or failed fertilization.

Answer 1

The statement that best captures the survival value of a fish or frog species that lays hundreds of eggs compared to a species that lays only a single egg is:

**"More eggs laid increases the likelihood that more offspring will survive predation or failed fertilization."**

This is because laying a large number of eggs can help counteract the high levels of predation and environmental challenges that eggs face. Although many eggs may not survive to maturity, having a greater number of them increases the chances that some will survive to adulthood, thus enhancing the overall reproductive success of the species. This strategy is known as "r-strategy," where organisms produce many offspring with the hope that a few will survive to reproduce.