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Chapter 10: Problem 2

(a) What are hermaphrodites? Distinguish between simultaneous hermaphrodites and sequential hermaphrodites. (b) Distinguish between fecundity and reproductive effort.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Simultaneous hermaphrodites are organisms that possess both male and female reproductive organs at the same time and can produce both types of gametes simultaneously. Sequential hermaphrodites possess only one functional gender at a given time and change their gender during their lifetime, either from male to female (protandrous) or from female to male (protogynous).

Step by step solution

01

(a) Definition of Hermaphrodites

Hermaphrodites are organisms that have both male and female reproductive organs and are capable of producing both male and female gametes (sperm and eggs). This reproductive strategy is common in plants, invertebrates, and some fish species.
02

(a) Simultaneous Hermaphrodites

Simultaneous hermaphrodites are organisms that possess both male and female reproductive organs at the same time and are capable of producing both types of gametes simultaneously. In some cases, they can even self-fertilize, though many species have mechanisms to prevent self-fertilization to increase genetic diversity.
03

(a) Sequential Hermaphrodites

Sequential hermaphrodites are organisms that possess only one functional gender at a given time and change their gender during their lifetime, either from male to female (protandrous) or from female to male (protogynous). This reproductive strategy may be advantageous in cases where the optimal size or age for reproduction differs between males and females of a species.
04

(b) Definition of Fecundity

Fecundity refers to the potential reproductive output of an individual organism, typically measured as the number of viable offspring or gametes produced by an individual. It can be influenced by various factors such as age, size, health, and environmental conditions.
05

(b) Definition of Reproductive Effort

Reproductive effort is the proportion of an organism's resources (time, energy, and material) devoted to reproduction, as opposed to growth, maintenance, and survival. It may vary among individuals, populations, or species due to differences in life history strategies, resource availability, and environmental pressures.
06

(b) Differences between Fecundity and Reproductive Effort

Fecundity is the measure of an organism's potential reproductive output, while reproductive effort is the proportion of resources allocated to achieving this output. Fecundity may be influenced by reproductive effort, but it can also be affected by other factors such as age, size, and health. Conversely, reproductive effort may impact fecundity but is also affected by the organism's life history strategy and available resources. In general, fecundity is a measure of an organism's potential reproductive success, while reproductive effort represents the investment made to achieve this success.

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