Which of the following organisms breed only once in their lifetime (semelparous species)?

Environment & Ecology ·Previously asked in JKPSC Combined Competitive Examination (JKCCE) 2025

View the full solved paper: GS Paper I (Set B)

Question

Which of the following organisms breed only once in their lifetime (semelparous species)?

I. Pelagic fishes

II. Oysters

III. Pacific salmon fish

IV. Bamboo

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. A. I, II and IV
  2. B. I and III
  3. C. II and IV
  4. D. III and IV (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — III and IV

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is III and IV.

Key Points

  • Semelparous species reproduce only once in their lifetime: Pacific salmon (III ✓ — die after spawning) and Bamboo (IV ✓ — monocarpic, flowers once then dies).
  • Pelagic fishes (I) and oysters (II) are typically iteroparous — they spawn multiple times throughout their lives.
  • Correct answer: III and IV.