The reason for the behavior of night-flying moths that fly toward bright objects is not adaptive. Concept introduction: Behavior is the capacity of an animal to learn through experience. Behavioral ecology is study of how natural selection shapes the behavior of an organism. Studies of behavioral differences within a species or among related species can shed light on the proximate causes of a behavior and the ultimate causes that favored the behavior. Behavioral traits are influenced by an animal’s environment. Some environmentally induced variations in behavior occur due to epigenetic effects.

Question

Many species of animals make alarm calls, which warn others in their group that a predator is approaching. Alarm calls also attract the atten- tion of the predator, making it more likely that the individual making the call will be eaten. Why might natural selection favor the evolution of alarm calls in a species? How might you test that hypothesis?

Answer 1

Question

Chapter 43, Problem 1CT

Summary Introduction

To explain: The reason for the behavior of night-flying moths that fly toward bright objects is not adaptive.

Concept introduction: Behavior is the capacity of an animal to learn through experience. Behavioral ecology is study of how natural selection shapes the behavior of an organism. Studies of behavioral differences within a species or among related species can shed light on the proximate causes of a behavior and the ultimate causes that favored the behavior. Behavioral traits are influenced by an animal’s environment. Some environmentally induced variations in behavior occur due to epigenetic effects.

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