Question

Among the following vertebrate classes, biparental care is most common in:

• A. amphibians.
• B. birds.
• C. fishes.
• D. mammals.

Hint:

To identify patterns of parental care in vertebrates:
1. Birds are the most likely to exhibit biparental care due to shared responsibilities like feeding and nesting.
2. Mammals primarily exhibit maternal care, with biparental care being rare.
3. Amphibians and fishes exhibit more diverse parental strategies, but biparental care is uncommon.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Define biparental care. Biparental care refers to a reproductive strategy where both parents contribute to the care and upbringing of the offspring. This care includes feeding, protecting, and nurturing the young. Step 2: Evaluate biparental care across vertebrate classes. Option (A): Amphibians Biparental care is rare in amphibians. Most species exhibit little to no parental involvement, though some (e.g., certain frog species) show maternal or paternal care. Option (B): Birds Biparental care is most common in birds. In many bird species, both parents are involved in activities like nest building, incubating eggs, and feeding chicks. Examples include species like penguins, doves, and passerines. Option (C): Fishes Biparental care is observed in some fish species (e.g., cichlids), but it is less common compared to birds. Parental care in fishes is often provided by a single parent, typically the male. Option (D): Mammals In mammals, parental care is predominantly maternal, as females provide milk and protection. Biparental care is less frequent, though it exists in some species (e.g., wolves and some primates).