Adaptive Value of Behavior in Evolution

Animals engage in both individual and group behaviors. Which of the following is an example of an individual behavior?

• In a termite colony, different tasks are carried out by different types of termites.

• Monarch butterflies migrate long distances, traveling in groups of many millions.

• Juvenile chimpanzees model the actions of their parents and other adults.

• A member of an elephant herd helps take care of young elephants, even if they aren't hers.

Most wolves hunt in packs while some individuals live and hunt alone. What data would support the claim that hunting as a group provides an advantage?

• The density of prey animals, measured in number of organisms per square kilometer, in the habitats of pack wolves and solitary wolves.

• Hunting success, measured in kilograms of meat per individual per week, for wolves that hunt in packs and those that are solitary hunters.

• The return on investment in hunting for the average wolf, measured in calories expended for hunting, divided by calories obtained in prey animals.

• The number of different predator species in the habitat as compared to the number of different prey species.

Zebras live in large herds. When attacked by a predator, such as a lion, some individual zebras will engage in combat with the lion, rather than trying to escape. This behavior increases the risk of injury and death to the individual zebra. Why might this type of behavior evolve if it is so clearly a disadvantage to the individual?

• This behavior increases the survival advantage of other members of the herd and the species.

• This behavior ensures that only the strongest and most aggressive zebras pass on their genes.

• This behavior is an opportunity for zebras to prove themselves to potential mates.

• This behavior frightens predators in the area and makes future attacks less likely.

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Which of the following describes a survival advantage an individual organism derives from living in a large group with other individuals of the same species?

• They are less likely to contract a disease.

• They encounter reduced competition.

• They are less visible to predators.

• They can more easily find a mate.

Which of the following animal behaviors could be disadvantageous to the individual organism, but increase the survival advantage of other members of its social group?

• Joeys stay within their mothers’ pouch for protection for several weeks.

• Newly hatched sea turtles will automatically begin moving toward the ocean.

• Squirrels vocalize loudly when they observe a predator in their habitat.

• Male peacocks compete for females with elaborate plumage and behaviors.

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Some birds decorate their nests using flowers, debris, etc., and others roll stones to the feet of their potential mates during courtship. What types of behavior are these birds exhibiting?

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Certain animals will vocalize loudly when they observe a predator threatening their habitat. What type of behavior is this, and why is it advantageous for the entire group?

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What is one survival advantage an organism of a species has from living in a large group or herd with other individuals of the same species?