Most bird species that form flocks show a negative relationship between flock size and individual vigilance (i.e., the larger the flock, the less often an individual lifts its head to scan the surrounding environment). However, some bird species have shown a positive relationship between flock size and individual vigilance. The positive relationship is particularly strong when flocks are space-constrained, such as in small ponds or fields. What is the most likely explanation for this?
A. As flock size increases, the risk of predation for any given member increases, so individuals must spend more time scanning for predators.
B. As flock size increases, the risk for interference and aggression between members increases, so individuals must scan for both conspecifics and predators.
C. As flock size increases, mating opportunities decrease, so individuals must spend more time scanning for potential mates.
D. As flock size increases, the number of "cheaters" increases, so individuals must spend more time scanning for predators.
Answer: B
You might also like to view...
If a species of insect provides most of the food for a particular species of bird, this is part of the bird's
A. habitat. B. environment. C. niche. D. range.
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is a cell growth disorder that causes enlarged organs, high birth weight, and
predisposition to cancer. a. True b. False
According to the animation, ribosomes move along the mRNA in which direction?
a. 5' to 3' b. 3' to 5' c. Either 5' to 3' or 3' to 5'
Which of the following settings constitutes an extrapolation?
A. Using past sales and price information to make a forecast for next year's sales growth. B. Using 2014 and 2016 data on GDP to estimate GDP in the third quarter of 2015, which is missing. C. Using past sales and price information to estimate last year's price elasticity of demand. D. Using a randomized control trial to estimate the causal effect of the use of a cancer treatment on health outcomes.