Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between proximate and ultimate questions in behavioral ecology?

Accepted Answer

Proximate questions address the operational mechanisms within the organism, such as genetic and sensory/motor causes, while ultimate questions address the evolutionary significance and adaptation of the behavior.

Question 2

A male stickleback fish attacks other males that enter its territory. What is the proximate cause of this behavior?

Accepted Answer

The red belly of the intruding male acts as a sign stimulus that triggers aggression.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a fixed action pattern (FAP)?

Accepted Answer

A lion yawning in response to fatigue.

Question 4

In the context of optimal foraging, which mussel size do shore crabs prefer when mussel supply is abundant, and why?

Accepted Answer

Mid-sized mussels, because they balance energy yield and ease of handling, maximizing net benefit.

Question 5

Which navigation strategy is most likely used by desert ants (Cataglyphis fortis) to return home after foraging in a landscape devoid of landmarks?

Accepted Answer

Dead reckoning/path integration by keeping track of turns and distance walked.

Question 6

Why must the sun compass used by migrating monarch butterflies be time-compensated?

Accepted Answer

Because the sun's position changes throughout the day, and butterflies must adjust their flight angle to maintain the correct migratory direction.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why innate behaviors are favored in environments where mistakes can lead to death?

Accepted Answer

Innate behaviors are inherited and stereotyped, reducing the risk of fatal mistakes in predictable environments.

Question 8

A scientist performs a displacement experiment on pigeons by transporting them hundreds of miles from their home loft and releasing them. The pigeons successfully return home. What navigation strategy are the pigeons most likely using?

Accepted Answer

Piloting using local features in relation to a map.

Question 9

Which equation best represents the cost-benefit analysis for optimal foraging behavior?

Accepted Answer

$$Fitness = \frac{Benefits}{Costs}$$

Question 10

In a clock-shifting experiment, monarch butterflies raised to think it is 6am when it is actually noon are released at noon. In which direction do they fly relative to the sun?

Accepted Answer

West

Question 11

Which of the following is a learned behavior rather than an innate behavior?

Accepted Answer

A chimpanzee using a stem to sponge water from a hole.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a level of ecological study?

Accepted Answer

Genetic ecology

Question 13

Which factor is considered an abiotic factor influencing the distribution and abundance of organisms?

Accepted Answer

Sunlight

Question 14

Which statement about niche models is supported by Figure 49.1?

Accepted Answer

Species with wider tolerance ranges can survive in a broader range of temperatures.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of social learning in animals?

Accepted Answer

A bee learning to pull a string for nectar after observing another bee.

Question 16

Why do migratory movements, such as those of salmon, pose significant evolutionary challenges?

Accepted Answer

They involve trade-offs in time, energy, and predation risk, but can increase fitness by accessing new resources.

Question 17

Which navigation strategy allows animals to steer around unobserved obstacles toward unobserved goals using local features?

Accepted Answer

Piloting

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the relationship between genes and behavior in behavioral ecology?

Accepted Answer

Behavioral ecology is valid only if genes influence behavior.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the concept of maximizing fitness in the context of behavioral ecology?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing fitness means expressing behaviors that increase survival and reproductive success, leading to the loss of genes for less advantageous variant behaviors.

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world example of a cost-benefit trade-off in animal behavior?

Accepted Answer

A bird singing to attract mates, risking predation by being more conspicuous.

Behavioral Ecology: Principles, Mechanisms, and Applications

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