Fishers Typically Target the Largest, and Thus, Oldest Fish

question 10

Multiple Choice

Fishers typically target the largest, and thus, oldest fish. Given this fishing strategy, which of the following would be the most likely outcome due to natural selection over time on life history traits. Which of the following best predicts the effect of natural selection due to this fishing strategy on the life history traits of the commercially popular fish?

• A) There would be no change in the life histories of these fish populations as a species' age at reproduction cannot change.
• B) A greater proportion of the fish population would be made up of individuals that become reproductively mature at a larger size, and, thus, an older age.
• C) A greater proportion of the fish population would be made up of individuals that become reproductively mature at a smaller size, and, thus, an earlier age.
• D) A greater proportion of the fish population would be made up of individuals that become reproductively mature at a smaller size, and, thus, an older age.

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Definitions:

Efferent Nerves

Motor nerves that take information or impulses from the central nervous system to the peripheral nervous system to allow for the movement or action of a muscle or gland.

Neuron

A nerve cell; it carries nerve impulses between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body.

Nerve Fibers

Long, slender projections of nerve cells that transmit electrical impulses to different parts of the body.