$$\text{Offspring}_{\text{cannibalized}} = 2 \times \text{Offspring}_{\text{non-cannibalized}}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the ultimate cause of sexual cannibalism in female Australian redback spiders?

Accepted Answer

The female gains nutrients by consuming the male, increasing her reproductive success.

Question 2

According to the Hungry Lover hypothesis, what would you predict about the rate of cannibalism in female redback spiders with a supplemented diet?

Accepted Answer

Cannibalism rates would decrease in females with a supplemented diet.

Question 3

What is the proximate cause for the male redback spider's somersault behavior during mating?

Accepted Answer

The insertion of the palp into the female's sperm receptor triggers the somersault.

Question 4

Which equation best represents the relationship between copulation duration and offspring number in redback spiders, based on Andrade lab findings?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Offspring}_{	ext{cannibalized}} = 2 	imes 	ext{Offspring}_{	ext{non-cannibalized}}$$

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Jump-back behavior in kangaroo rats when startled.

Question 6

In Anolis lizards, which two proximate factors trigger hormonal secretions in females leading to sexual readiness?

Accepted Answer

Longer day lengths and exposure to breeding males.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why male redback spiders do not attempt to escape after the first sperm deposit?

Accepted Answer

Self-sacrifice increases their fertilization success, doubling the number of offspring.

Question 8

Which of the following is a cost for male redback spiders who escape after mating rather than self-sacrifice?

Accepted Answer

Lower reproductive success with almost 0% chance of finding a new mate.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about innate and learned behaviors is correct?

Accepted Answer

Innate behaviors are highly inflexible and require no learning.

Question 10

Which hormone is the proximate cause of seasonal sexual behavior in male Anolis lizards?

Accepted Answer

Testosterone

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of intersexual selection in animals?

Accepted Answer

A male bird of paradise arranging feathers and dancing to attract a female.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the relationship between sexual readiness and fitness in Anolis lizards?

Accepted Answer

Lizards that demonstrate sexual readiness will likely bear more offspring and have higher fitness.

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-world example of a behavior that maximizes energy gain and minimizes costs?

Accepted Answer

A snake choosing to eat a kangaroo rat based on energy return versus risk.

Question 14

Which equation best represents the relationship between the percentage of female Anolis lizards with mature follicles and exposure to males?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Percentage} = 100 \%$$ when exposed to breeding males

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the cost of intrasexual selection in animals?

Accepted Answer

Competing for mates can be costly in terms of energy and risk of injury.

Question 16

Which of the following behaviors in Anolis lizards supports the intersexual selection hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Dewlap extensions and push-ups during courtship.

Question 17

Which of the following is a plausible ultimate cause for mate choice in animals?

Accepted Answer

Mate choice increases the likelihood of producing offspring with higher fitness.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the flexibility of learned behaviors compared to innate behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Learned behaviors are more flexible and conditional than innate behaviors.

Question 19

Which of the following is a proximate cause for navigation in animals?

Accepted Answer

Use of environmental cues such as day length and temperature.

Behavioural Ecology: Proximate and Ultimate Causes of Animal Behaviour

Study Guide - Practice Questions