Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The female gains nutrients that can increase her reproductive success.

Question 2

According to the Hungry Lover hypothesis, what would you predict about the rate of sexual cannibalism in redback spiders if females are provided with supplemental food?

Accepted Answer

The rate of sexual cannibalism would decrease.

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

Why is self-sacrifice considered adaptive for male redback spiders?

Accepted Answer

It doubles the male’s reproductive success compared to males that escape.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

A kangaroo rat jumping back in response to a shadow.

Question 6

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

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.

Question 8

Which of the following is a cost associated with intrasexual selection in animals?

Accepted Answer

High energy expenditure and risk of injury during competition.

Question 9

Which statement best distinguishes between proximate and ultimate causes of behavior?

Accepted Answer

Proximate causes explain how a behavior occurs, while ultimate causes explain why it occurs in terms of evolutionary fitness.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of intersexual selection?

Accepted Answer

A male bird displaying bright feathers to attract a female.

Question 11

If a behavior is highly flexible and learned, which of the following is most likely true?

Accepted Answer

It can be modified based on experience.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the relationship between copulation duration and reproductive success in redback spiders?

Accepted Answer

Cannibalized males copulate longer and father more offspring.

Question 13

Which hormone is primarily responsible for triggering sexual behavior in male Anolis lizards during the breeding season?

Accepted Answer

Testosterone

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world example of a learned behavior in animals?

Accepted Answer

A rat learning to pull a lever for a food reward.

Question 15

Why might a male redback spider benefit from self-sacrifice even though it results in his death?

Accepted Answer

He increases the number of offspring he sires.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why sexual behavior in Anolis lizards is seasonal?

Accepted Answer

Sexual behavior is triggered by longer day lengths and warmer temperatures.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a question typically addressed in behavioral ecology?

Accepted Answer

How do I photosynthesize?

Question 18

Which of the following is a likely cost for a male animal displaying bright colors as an honest signal of quality?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of predation.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes an innate behavior?

Accepted Answer

A behavior that is present at birth and does not require learning.

Question 20

Which of the following is a benefit for a male redback spider that escapes after mating instead of sacrificing himself?

Accepted Answer

He lives longer and may find another mate, but with almost 0% chance due to female distribution.

Behavioural Ecology: Proximate and Ultimate Causes of Animal Behaviour

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