For Most Primates, Reproductive Success of a Primate Female Depends

Question

For most primates, reproductive success of a primate female depends largely on
A) group size and composition.
B) her ability to acquire nutritive resources.
C) her ability to coerce males into investing in offspring.
D) male protection.

Accepted Answer

The ability of a female primate to acquire nutritive resources is a key factor in determining reproductive success. Nutritive resources allow females to maintain their own health and that of their offspring, making them more likely to survive and reproduce successfully. Group size and composition may have some effect on reproductive success, but it is not as significant as a female's ability to acquire food. Coercion of males and male protection may be present in some primate societies, but they are not universal or essential for reproductive success.