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Q4.20. Mayflies are semelparous species, reproducing only once in their lives. N

ID: 273975 • Letter: Q

Question

Q4.20. Mayflies are semelparous species, reproducing only once in their lives. Nymphs feed and grow in streams. Once they metamorphose into adults, they emerge from the stream, reproduce, and then die. Females produce hundreds to thousands of eggs, and the adult phase is so short that adults lack mouth parts and cannot feed. What is the life history trade-off mayflies make by adopting this strategy? They trade away future reproduction for higher fecundity They trade away growing larger for higher fecundity. They trade away adult survivorship for earlier reproduction. OThey trade away higher fecundity for future reproduction.

Explanation / Answer

Answer:

Mayflies are semelparous species, reproducing only once in their lives. Nymphs feed and grow in streams. Once they metamorphose into adults, they emerge from the stream, reproduce, and then die. Females produce hundreds to thousands of eggs, and the adult phase is so short that they adults lack mouth parts and cannot feed. What is the life history trade-offs mayflies make by adopting this strategy?