Question

Select the correct statement as to why internal fertilisation is advantageous over external fertilisation.

• A. Internal fertilisation leads to more genetic variations and increases the survival rates of offspring
• B. Internal fertilisation increases the survival rates of offspring, and large numbers of offspring are produced
• C. Internal fertilisation increases the survival rates of offspring, and the chance of fertilisation with a specific partner also increases
• D. Internal fertilisation increases the survival rates of offspring and decreases the chance of fertilisation with a specific partner

Answer 1

The correct option is C Internal fertilisation increases the survival rates of offspring, and the chance of fertilisation with a specific partner also increases

Internal fertilisation involves the union of the male and female gamete inside the body of the parent, predominantly female. This increases the survival rate of offsprings. It requires fertilisation by a specific partner.

External fertilisation involves both male and female parents releasing the gametes into an external medium such as water. This involves random fertilisation outside the body, not necessarily with the gametes of a single partner. Since the fertilisation is in an open environment, the survival rates are lower compared to internal fertilisation.

Probability of genetic variation is same in both external and internal fertilisation.