Correct option is B
Explanation-
Bateman's Principle comes from a 1948 study by Angus John Bateman, who studied reproductive success in fruit flies (Drosophila). His work laid the foundation for our understanding of sexual selection.
Option A - Female gametes (eggs) are costlier than male gametes (sperms).
Correct, and part of Bateman’s principle — but not the core idea.
Option B - Reproductive variance is greater in males than in females.
This is the best statement that directly describes Bateman’s principle. Males show high variance in reproductive success — some father many offspring, others none. Females show low variance — most reproduce, but their number of offspring is more consistent.
Option C - Females are more likely to provide parental care than males.
True in many species, but this is more a consequence than the principle itself.
Option D - Males use costly displays to advertise their genetic quality.
This relates to sexual selection, but again, not the core of Bateman’s principle.
Since option B is the most direct and accurate description of Bateman’s principle.
So, the correct answer is option B- Reproductive variance is greater in males than in females.
