Question

select the correct answer.
butterflies show r - selection traits. what does this statement imply?
a. butterflies have a tendency for homozygous recessive traits to be selected.
b. butterflies have a tendency for homozygous dominant traits to be selected.
c. butterflies life history selection strategy is to live within the carrying capacity.
d. butterflies life history selection strategy is to maximize growth rate.

Explanation:

• Option A and B: R - selection is not about the selection of homozygous recessive or dominant traits. These options are incorrect as they misinterpret the concept of r - selection.
• Option C: Living within the carrying capacity is a characteristic of K - selection, not r - selection. K - selected species tend to have stable populations near the carrying capacity of their environment.
• Option D: r - selected species, such as butterflies, have a life history selection strategy focused on maximizing growth rate. They produce a large number of offspring (high reproductive output), often with little parental care. This is in line with the characteristics of r - selection.

Answer:

D. Butterflies’ life history selection strategy is to maximize growth rate.