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Multiple Choice
Based on the data in this life table, at what age do female European hedgehogs reach sexual maturity and become capable of sexual reproduction?
A
0-1 years.
B
1-2 years.
C
2-3 years.
D
3-4 years.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Examine the life table provided for female European hedgehogs, focusing on the 'Fecundity' column, which indicates the average number of offspring produced per female per year.
Identify the age group where the fecundity value changes from 0.00 to a positive number, as this indicates the onset of sexual maturity and reproductive capability.
Notice that for the age group 0-1 years, the fecundity is 0.00, meaning females in this age group are not yet reproducing.
Observe that for the age group 1-2 years, the fecundity is 7.47, indicating that females begin reproducing in this age group.
Conclude that female European hedgehogs reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproduction at the age of 1-2 years, as this is the first age group with a non-zero fecundity value.