Ecology Behavioral Ecology Concepts 4

Question 1

In the marginal value theorem, an optimal forager should leave a patch when:

Accepted Answer

The instantaneous rate of gain drops to the average rate across the habitat

Answer

The marginal value theorem predicts that foragers maximize long-term energy intake by leaving a depleting patch when its marginal return rate equals the overall habitat average.

Question 2

Leks are arenas where males aggregate to display to females. The 'hotspot' hypothesis explains lek formation by proposing that males cluster:

Accepted Answer

At sites where female traffic is naturally highest

Answer

The hotspot hypothesis posits that males gather at locations where females routinely travel, because displaying where females already pass increases encounter rates.

Question 3

What does the term 'phenotypic plasticity' mean in the context of animal behavior?

Accepted Answer

The ability of one genotype to produce different behaviors in different environments

Answer

Phenotypic plasticity allows a single genotype to express different behavioral phenotypes depending on environmental conditions, without genetic change.

Question 4

Which type of mimicry occurs when a harmless species resembles a harmful one to deter predators?

Accepted Answer

Batesian mimicry

Answer

Batesian mimicry is when a palatable or harmless mimic gains protection by resembling an unpalatable or dangerous model species.

Question 5

An organism exhibits 'conditional strategy' when it:

Accepted Answer

Switches tactics based on its own condition or environmental cues

Answer

Conditional strategies allow individuals to adopt the best available tactic given their current status, body size, or environmental context.

Ecology Practice Test

Ecology Practice Test

Ecology Behavioral Ecology Concepts 4