Question

Because increased fecundity means increased fitness, we might expect to observe the evolution of ever-increasing fecundity, but this is not the case. Which reason for lower-than-expected fecundity is plausible?
a. While beneficial to the population or species, selection for increased fecundity is harmful to the individual.
b. Increased fecundity leads to overpopulation and mass starvation, due to increases in individual fitness.
c. Fecundity evolves only until it balances mortality.
d. There are allocation trade-offs between fecundity and other traits.
e. All of the above are plausible reasons.

Answer 1

Answer:

d. There are allocation trade-offs between fecundity and other traits.

Explanation:

for lower-than-expected fecundity , despite increased fitness is plausible because there are allocation fecundity and other traits.  

Fecundity is nothing but the ability of an organism to produce and abundance of off-spring. It is same as fertility.  Fecundity also depends upon size of the organism. This is called allocation fecundity.

Hence, option d is correct.