Question

An organism X undergoes internal fertilisation, while organism Y undergoes external fertilisation. Compared to organism Y, the number of eggs produced by organism X will be ______.

• A. more
• B. fewer
• C. equal to the number of eggs of Y
• D. more or less based on the environmental conditions

Answer 1

The correct option is B fewer

The number of eggs produced by organism X will be less as compared to Y. Since, in case of external fertilisation, the number of eggs produced are more than the number of eggs produced in internal fertilisation. External fertilisation is more common in aquatic animals. These animals lay hundreds of eggs and release millions of sperms. Since the sperms and eggs are exposed to water currents and wind, many of these eggs do not get fertilised. Also predators might feed on the eggs. Thus, production of a large number of eggs and sperm is necessary to ensure fertilisation of at least a few of them.