Which genotype will increase more rapidly in the population: annual phenotype or immortal phenotype?
Final answer: Genotype 1 (annual phenotype) will increase more rapidly in the population compared to genotype 2 (immortal phenotype).
Explanation
The genotype that will increase more rapidly in the population is genotype 1 (annual phenotype). Although both genotypes have a hermaphroditic phenotype, with each individual being functionally male and female, there is a key difference in their reproductive strategies.
Genotype 1 individuals have an annual phenotype, meaning they produce offspring (seeds) at the end of the year and then die. On the other hand, genotype 2 individuals have an immortal phenotype and produce offspring (seeds) at the end of each year while living forever.
If each individual of genotype 1 (annual phenotype) produces 102 seeds, and each individual of genotype 2 (immortal phenotype) produces 100 seeds, the question arises as to which genotype will increase more rapidly in the population.
The annual death of genotype 1 individuals plays a crucial role in promoting rapid population growth. When these individuals die, they release and disperse a large number of seeds into the environment. This increased dispersal enhances the chances of successful reproduction and leads to a higher rate of population growth.
In contrast, genotype 2 individuals, being immortal, do not experience the same annual release of seeds through death. As they live indefinitely, they do not release seeds as frequently or disperse them as widely as genotype 1 individuals. This slower dispersal and reproduction rate result in a slower population growth compared to genotype 1.
Therefore, despite the slight difference in seed production per individual, the annual death and subsequent seed dispersal of genotype 1 individuals give them a competitive edge in terms of population growth over genotype 2 individuals. This highlights the importance of reproductive strategies and mortality patterns in determining the rate of population increase in a species.