Question

In sea horses, the female inseminates the male by inserting her oviduct into the male brooding pouch several times to ensure fertilization. After fertilization is complete, the female departs and the male attaches himself to a nearby object, and waits for the eggs to mature. How would this reproductive strategy ensure survival of the species?
A. By allowing for sexual selection of mating partners
B. By ensuring fertilization of only high-quality males
C. By protecting the fertilized eggs from predators
D. By preventing multiple fertilization of the males by other females

Answer 1

The survival of the species is ensured by C. by protecting the fertilized eggs from predators. The protection provided by the male increases the hatch rate of the eggs, which means more young seahorses. The greater the number of hatchlings, the greater the likelihood that some will survive  to adulthood and carry on the survival of the species.