Which of the following is not a benefit for the female adopting polyandry?
Greater probability of getting all her eggs fertilised.
Ability to receive more resources from the males.
Ability to produce more offspring than normal.
Improved chances of genetic compatibility with her own DNA.
The ability to produce more offspring than normal is actually a potential benefit for females adopting polyandry. Polyandry, which refers to the mating strategy where a female mates with multiple males, can offer several advantages for females. These advantages include:
Increased genetic diversity: By mating with multiple males, females can increase the genetic diversity of their offspring. This can enhance the overall fitness and adaptability of the offspring.
Sperm competition and selection: Polyandry can lead to sperm competition, where sperm from different males compete for fertilisation. This competition can result in the selection of the fittest and most genetically compatible sperm, leading to higher-quality offspring.
Material benefits: In some species, males may provide resources or parental care to females and their offspring. By mating with multiple males, females can increase the potential benefits they receive in terms of resources and support.
Reduced risk of inbreeding: By mating with multiple males, females can reduce the risk of inbreeding, which can have negative genetic consequences. Mating with multiple males promotes outbreeding and maintains genetic diversity within a population.
Therefore, the ability to produce more offspring than normal is a potential benefit for females adopting polyandry, as it increases the genetic diversity and potential fitness of their offspring. Hence, the correct answer is option 3.