Correct option is A
Explanation-
1. Early Reproduction -
Reproducing early in life allows individuals to pass on their genes before being eaten. Even if they are eventually killed as they grow large (and thus more vulnerable), they’ve already reproduced.This is a clear evolutionary advantage in a high-predation environment targeting older individuals.
2. Slow Growth Rate -
This may seem counterintuitive, but here’s why slow growth helps:
Snakes prefer larger individuals. If the rodent grows slowly, it delays reaching a size that attracts predators. So, by staying small longer, they reduce the risk of predation until reproduction happens.
Thus, slow growth plus early reproduction minimizes predation risk and maximizes evolutionary fitness under this condition.
Incorrect options-
Option B - Delayed reproduction and fast growth rate
Delayed reproduction means the rodent waits longer to reproduce — this increases the risk of dying before reproducing. Fast growth means the rodent quickly becomes large, making it more visible and attractive to snakes.
This is the worst combination:
Fast growth = quick to become prey
Delayed reproduction = likely to die before reproducing
Option C -Delayed reproduction and slow growth rate
Again, delayed reproduction is dangerous — the rodent may not live long enough to reproduce. Slow growth alone helps reduce visibility to predators, but without early reproduction, it's not enough.
This strategy delays both reproduction and predator risk, but reproductive delay is still a big evolutionary disadvantage in high-mortality environments.
Option D - Early reproduction and fast growth rate
Early reproduction is good — reproduction happens before death.
Fast growth, however, causes the rodent to become large and vulnerable to snakes much sooner.
So even though they reproduce early, their lifespan is cut even shorter due to rapid growth attracting predators.
So, the correct answer is option A - Early reproduction and slow growth rate
