Belding’s ground squirrels (Spermophilus beldingi) live in closely related groups. When they feed in the open, certain individuals (guard squirrels) watch for predators instead of feeding. The guard squirrels give an alarm call when a predator is sighted, allowing the rest of the group to run to safety. Researchers have noted that, because the alarm call draws attention to the guard, the guard is more likely to be caught by the predator and therefore has a lower survival rate in comparison with the other squirrels. Which of the following best explains the behavior of the guard squirrels?    a) The guard squirrels confuse the predator, lowering the predator’s success rate because the predator cannot tell which squirrel is producing the sound. b) The behavior of the guard squirrels increases the survival of close relatives that share the genes of the guard squirrels. c) Guard squirrels are typically females who have already reproduced, so they are no longer needed by the group. d) Option Guard squirrels typically have recessive alleles, and by sacrificing themselves, they lessen the chance that recessive alleles will get passed on.

Biology (MindTap Course List)
11th Edition
ISBN:9781337392938
Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Publisher:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Chapter52: Animal Behavior
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 14TYU: INTERPRET DATA Look at the two graphs in Figure 52-21. In which experiment did the parentals in the...
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Belding’s ground squirrels (Spermophilus beldingi) live in closely related groups. When they feed in the open, certain individuals (guard squirrels) watch for predators instead of feeding. The guard squirrels give an alarm call when a predator is sighted, allowing the rest of the group to run to safety. Researchers have noted that, because the alarm call draws attention to the guard, the guard is more likely to be caught by the predator and therefore has a lower survival rate in comparison with the other squirrels. Which of the following best explains the behavior of the guard squirrels? 
 
a) The guard squirrels confuse the predator, lowering the predator’s success rate because the predator cannot tell which squirrel is producing the sound.
b) The behavior of the guard squirrels increases the survival of close relatives that share the genes of the guard squirrels.
c) Guard squirrels are typically females who have already reproduced, so they are no longer needed by the group.
d) Option Guard squirrels typically have recessive alleles, and by sacrificing themselves, they lessen the chance that recessive alleles will get passed on.
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