CHB4024 - exam 4

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What determines the amount of parental care provided by different species?

The average lifespan of the species

The availability of resources in the environment

The reproductive strategy of the species (correct)

The developmental stage of the offspring at birth

Which statement best describes altricial species?

They typically have a lower reproductive rate compared to precocial species.

They produce underdeveloped offspring needing substantial care. (correct)

They produce offspring that are immediately independent.

They require minimal parental investment post-birth.

How does parental investment change according to offspring's reproductive value?

Parents increase investment in offspring with the least potential.

Parents invest equally in all offspring regardless of potential.

Parents focus resources on those with the highest potential for future reproductive success. (correct)

Parental investment is solely dependent on the number of offspring produced.

What is a defining feature of precocial species?

Their offspring are relatively mature and independent at hatching or birth. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT typically influence parental care strategies in species?

The species' typical habitat Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes obligate siblicide from facultative siblicide?

Obligate siblicide involves consistent patterns of behavior, whereas facultative siblicide occurs only in response to environmental pressures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the reproductive insurance hypothesis in relation to siblicide?

To explain siblicide as a method to guarantee at least one viable offspring survives. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best exemplifies facultative siblicide?

A blue-footed booby where the stronger sibling kills the weaker only during periods of food scarcity. Signup and view all the answers

In which context does obligate siblicide typically occur?

In species where the survival of the fittest is a consistent behavioral pattern. Signup and view all the answers

How can sibling conflict lead to siblicide?

Sibling conflict over limited resources may result in one sibling killing another to secure resources. Signup and view all the answers

What does the brighter coloration of chicks indicate in relation to parental care?

It attracts more attention from parents. Signup and view all the answers

How does parent-offspring conflict manifest in the context of resource allocation?

Parents aim to maximize their own reproductive success at the cost of offspring. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best exemplifies the optimization of parental investment based on offspring traits?

Increased food allocation to brighter-colored chicks by parents. Signup and view all the answers

What implication does the preference for brighter chick coloration have on parental care strategies?

It indicates a potential selection pressure on chick coloration. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects parental behavior in response to offspring differences?

Parental investment may be influenced by the individual demands of offspring. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily drives female parental care in many species?

Higher certainty of genetic relatedness. Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions is paternal care most likely to occur according to the paternity assurance hypothesis?

When males are certain of their paternity. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT influence the extent of parental support provided by each sex?

Weather conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential cost of parental care for males?

Reduced energy available for personal survival. Signup and view all the answers

In a species where paternal care is prevalent, what is a likely outcome regarding male parental behavior?

Males will focus more on territorial defense than on care. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of offspring discrimination in colonial species?

Reduces the risk of caring for unrelated offspring Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains the behavior of parents in colonial species towards their offspring?

They show a preference for genetically related offspring Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism is suggested to be utilized by parents to favor their offspring in colonial species?

Behavioral recognition based on vocalizations Signup and view all the answers

In what way does recognizing and favoring their offspring benefit colonial species parents?

It allows for better resource allocation among offspring Signup and view all the answers

How does offspring discrimination affect the overall structure of a colonial species population?

It results in higher rates of kin selection Signup and view all the answers

What role does mimicry play in interspecific brood parasitism?

It helps parasites evade detection by the host. Signup and view all the answers

How does the mafia hypothesis explain hosts' acceptance of parasitic eggs?

Hosts may tolerate parasites to avoid potential retaliation and nest destruction. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consequence of the coevolutionary arms race between hosts and brood parasites?

The development of more effective brood parasite egg mimicry techniques. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main strategy that hosts use to combat brood parasitism?

Developing strategies to recognize and reject parasitic eggs. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of interspecific brood parasitism contributes to its complexity?

The evolving strategies of both hosts and parasites in response to each other. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the gradualist shift hypothesis regarding the evolution of brood parasitism?

It proposes that brood parasitism evolves through small, incremental changes. Signup and view all the answers

Which hypothesis implies that brood parasitism can result from sudden and significant changes?

Sudden shift hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents a key difference between the gradualist shift and sudden shift hypotheses?

One focuses on behavioral stability while the other emphasizes abrupt deviations. Signup and view all the answers

What implication does the gradualist shift hypothesis have for understanding behavior in brood parasites?

Changes in behavior reflect a long-term evolutionary process. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a potential limitation of the sudden shift hypothesis in explaining brood parasitism?

It does not account for gradual adaptations observed in many species. Signup and view all the answers

How does altruistic behavior challenge traditional Darwinian principles?

It reduces the reproductive success of the actor while benefiting others. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best exemplifies altruism in the context of eusocial insects?

Sterile workers foraging for food. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about altruistic behaviors in the context of evolutionary biology?

Altruism is favored by natural selection due to immediate benefits. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario would altruistic behavior be least likely to evolve?

In populations facing intense competition for survival. Signup and view all the answers

What evolutionary theory can help to explain the persistence of altruistic behaviors in nature?

Kin selection theory, which focuses on genetic relatedness among individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What does the coefficient of relatedness (r) specifically measure?

The genetic similarity between individuals Signup and view all the answers

How does inclusive fitness differ from traditional fitness measurements?

It incorporates both personal and relative reproductive success. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of kin selection is directly influenced by the concept of inclusive fitness?

The reproductive success of an individual's relatives Signup and view all the answers

What motivates behaviors driven by kin selection according to inclusive fitness theory?

Supporting both genetic offspring and the offspring of relatives Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between the coefficient of relatedness and kin selection?

Higher relatedness enhances inclusive fitness benefits for individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What role does haplodiploidy play in the context of kin selection and eusociality in Hymenoptera?

It enhances altruistic behaviors due to high sister relatedness. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes Hamilton’s rule in relation to eusocial behavior?

It asserts that the benefits of altruistic behavior must outweigh the costs to the individual. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of eusociality that is evident in Hymenoptera?

Cooperative brood care and division of labor. Signup and view all the answers

How does kin selection contribute to altruism in eusocial insects?

By promoting cooperation among relatives to increase the fitness of shared genes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately depicts the relationship between relatedness and altruistic behavior in eusocial species?

Increased relatedness among kin facilitates altruistic behaviors to ensure gene propagation. Signup and view all the answers

What does Wynne-Edwards' group selection theory primarily emphasize in contrast to Williams' argument?

The benefits of altruism for the survival of groups. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best represents Williams' viewpoint regarding selection?

Individual selection leads to the strongest evolutionary advantages. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of group selection theory, what is a likely consequence of indiscriminate altruism among individuals?

Lowered reproductive success for altruistic individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which criticism might be directed at Wynne-Edwards’ group selection theory?

It does not explain the evolutionary impact of selfish behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

How do the perspectives of Wynne-Edwards and Williams differ regarding the role of altruism in evolution?

Wynne-Edwards supports group benefits, while Williams favors individual fitness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of lifelong pair bonds in relation to group dynamics?

They foster altruism by enhancing group relatedness. Signup and view all the answers

How do lifelong pair bonds contribute to the behavior of altruism?

By enhancing group cohesion and shared responsibilities. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of enhanced group relatedness due to lifelong pair bonds?

Greater support for group members in times of need. Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism can explain the evolution of altruism in groups characterized by lifelong pair bonds?

Greater genetic relatedness fostering cooperative strategies. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of pair bonding is crucial for promoting altruistic behavior in social species?

The stability and commitment of the pair bond over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key challenge faced by eusocial societies regarding reproductive rights?

Worker policing to suppress reproduction by non-queens Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior represents an adaptation to resolve reproductive conflict in eusocial societies?

Restricting non-queen reproductive activities through aggression Signup and view all the answers

What potential consequence might arise from reproductive conflict in eusocial insect colonies?

Decreased survival rate of non-reproductive workers Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes the process by which eusocial insects suppress the reproduction of non-reproductive members?

Policing Signup and view all the answers

In the context of eusocial societies, why is worker policing considered an important evolutionary trait?

It helps optimize the reproductive success of the queen. Signup and view all the answers

What is an emergent property of collective behavior in groups?

Enhanced resource acquisition through shared decision-making Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is least likely to be a direct result of coordinated movements in collective behavior?

Decreased overall group cohesion Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects a characteristic of shared decision-making in collective behavior?

It compromises individual autonomy for group goals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of emergent properties in collective behavior?

Enhancing adaptability to environmental changes Signup and view all the answers

How do emergent properties affect survival in group dynamics?

They enable groups to respond collectively to threats. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant cost of social living related to health risks?

Disease risk Signup and view all the answers

Which benefit of social living primarily enhances survival through group dynamics?

Reduced predation Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of social living aids in the efficiency of resource utilization?

Knowledge sharing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a competitive aspect of social living?

Limited access to resources due to group size Signup and view all the answers

What factor increases the risk of predation in a social living situation?

Lower individual alertness Signup and view all the answers

What type of social interaction involves cooperation that benefits both parties?

Mutual benefit Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best exemplifies altruism in social interactions?

A squirrel warning others of a predator Signup and view all the answers

Which interaction type is characterized by actions that disadvantage others while benefitting oneself?

Selfishness Signup and view all the answers

Which of these interactions is most likely to be categorized as spiteful?

A parasite harming its host while extracting resources Signup and view all the answers

What social interaction involves behaviors that create a net disadvantage to both parties involved?

Spite Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between cooperation and reciprocity?

Cooperation involves mutual benefits that are immediate, while reciprocity relies on past interactions for delayed benefits. Signup and view all the answers

Which example best illustrates the concept of reciprocity in social behavior?

Vampire bats sharing blood meals with each other. Signup and view all the answers

Why is reciprocity considered a more complex form of social interaction than cooperation?

It requires individuals to remember past interactions and trust that mutual benefits will occur in the future. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the benefits of cooperation and reciprocity is accurate?

Cooperation is instant and mutual, whereas reciprocity may involve waiting for past favors to be returned. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does understanding reciprocity challenge conventional views of animal interactions?

It highlights the importance of remembering social interactions and their impact on survival. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of interspecies interaction is characterized by one species benefiting at the expense of another?

Parasitism Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes mutualism from the other forms of interspecies interactions?

Both species benefit from the relationship. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents commensalism in interspecies interactions?

A remora fish attaching to a shark for transport. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of symbiotic relationships, what is the main consequence of parasitism?

It can lead to the extinction of host species. Signup and view all the answers

How do mutualistic relationships differ in their outcomes compared to parasitic interactions?

Mutualism benefits both species, while parasitism harms one. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit that subordinate males gain from cooperative displays in species like the long-tailed manakin?

Enhanced individual mating opportunities Signup and view all the answers

Which hypothesis explains the advantages of cooperative breeding among individuals in challenging environments?

Ecological Constraints Hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aspects is least related to the concept of kin selection in cooperative breeding?

Potential for reproductive competition within the group Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism might subordinate males utilize to enhance their reproductive success in cooperative breeding scenarios?

Forming alliances with other males Signup and view all the answers

In cooperative breeding, which factor is critical for ensuring the survival of offspring in ecological constraints?

Presence of multiple caregivers Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does the prisoner’s dilemma primarily illustrate regarding cooperation?

The difficulty of achieving mutual cooperation due to conflicting interests. Signup and view all the answers

What strategy is highlighted in the context of overcoming the challenges presented by the prisoner’s dilemma?

Tit-for-tat strategy promoting reciprocal cooperation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the outcomes of the prisoner’s dilemma?

Cooperation can yield a better outcome than defection, but mutual distrust often prevails. Signup and view all the answers

Which key element is pivotal for fostering collaboration in the prisoner’s dilemma according to the content?

The establishment of trust through repeated encounters. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of human behavior can be illustrated through the principles derived from the prisoner’s dilemma?

The complexity of strategic decision-making in social interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of spiteful interactions between two parties?

Both parties incur costs regardless of outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

How does spiteful behavior differ from altruistic behavior in evolutionary terms?

Spiteful behavior benefits one party at the expense of another. Signup and view all the answers

In what context can spite be considered a beneficial social strategy?

When it creates competitive advantages over rivals. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario is most indicative of a spiteful interaction?

Two competitors each expend energy to harm the other's chances of winning a resource. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the role of spite in social strategies?

Spite reflects a complex strategy that can influence social dynamics. Signup and view all the answers