Question

As a part of reproductive strategy, oysters produce

• A. a large number of small-sized offspring
• B. a small number of small-sized offspring
• C. a large number of large-sized offspring
• D. a small number of large-sized offspring

Answer 1

The correct option is A a large number of small-sized offspring

Under a particular set of selection pressures, organisms tend to evolve towards the most efficient reproductive strategy.
Two of the most common strategies are:
A) Breeding frequency
B) Number and size of offspring produced
Breeding frequency: The frequency and timing of breeding varies among species. Some organisms have multiple reproductive cycles over the course of their lifetime and some are characterised by a single reproductive episode before death.
Number and size of offspring produced: Some produce a large number of small-sized offspring
while others produce a small number of large-sized offspring.
During the oysters spawning season, the young male oysters release hundreds of thousands of sperm. A single female oyster can produce up to 5-8 million eggs at once and the eggs become fertilised in the water and develop into larvae. Eventually, a large number of small-sized offspring are produced. The offspring size ranges from a few millimeters to centimeters.