Question

Animals exhibiting external fertilisation produce a large number of gametes. Pick the appropriate reason from the following.

• A. The animals are small in size and want to produce more offspring.
• B. Food is available in plenty of water.
• C. To ensure a better chance of fertilisation.
• D. Water promotes the production of a large number of gametes.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

To ensure a better chance of fertilisation.

The correct option is C.

Explanation of correct option:

1. The process of fusion of male and female gametes outside the body or in the external environment is known as external fertilisation.
2. Because an animal's gametes are released into the external environment, there are very few possibilities of fertilisation to occur.
3. Hence a large number of male gametes are generated to increase the chances of fertilisation.

Explanation of incorrect options:

Option A:

Animal size is not associated with the production of gametes and fertilisation.

Option B:

Food availability is a factor for animal survival but is not associated with the production of gametes and fertilisation.

Option D:

The creation of a large number of gametes is not promoted by water.

Final answer: Animals exhibiting external fertilisation produce a large number of gametes to ensure a better chance of fertilisation.