Why Does Natural Selection Favor Alleles That Kill Individuals Late

Question

Why does natural selection favor alleles that kill individuals late in life?
A) because genes eventually mutate and grow old, so the elderly must perish to increase group fitness
B) because natural selection favors young alleles for reproduction
C) because individual fitness is determined early in life
D) because genes that enhance early fertility at the cost of a shortened life span increase individual fitness

Accepted Answer

Genes that enhance early fertility at the cost of a shortened life span increase individual fitness because they increase the chances of offspring survival and reproduction, thus spreading the advantageous allele. Therefore, natural selection favors alleles that allow for early reproductive success, even if they come at the cost of a shortened lifespan.