L3 - Fish reproduction

Question 1

What is fecundity directly related to in spawning fish?

Answer 1

Body size

Question 2

What does fecundity mean?

Answer 2

the ability to produce an abundance of offspring or new growth; fertility

Question 3

What are the 2 functions of the lipid droplets in fish eggs?

Answer 3

• provide nutrients during development

- give the eggs buoyancy

Question 4

What is a big cause of predation on fish eggs?

Answer 4

other zooplankton

Question 5

What does benthic spawning mean?

Answer 5

deposit eggs on the sea floor

Question 6

In sharks what is:

a) ovoviviparity
b) vivipartiy
c) oviparity

Answer 6

a) ovoviviparity
- eggs are retained in the body
- most common

b) vivipartiy - parents provide the nutrients
c) oviparity - eggs are laid

Question 7

How do sharks reproduce?

Answer 7

Males grasp females during mating - modified pelvic fins are claspers that transfer sperm

Males inflict severe damage to females during mating - female skin is twice as thick for protection

Question 8

In dam fish who guards the nest?

Answer 8

the male - but all parental care ceases once they have hatched

Question 9

Describe the breeding habits of seahorses

Answer 9

• they are monogamous
• males “become pregnant” - have a pouch to look after eggs until they hatch (10days-6weeks)
• up to 7 successful broods per season

Question 10

What is mouth brooding?

Answer 10

Looking after eggs in the mouth - usually males

Old cardinal males sometimes show cannibalism - stops future reproductive success