Question

all individuals in a group share
the strongest or most dominant individuals receive first access to resources and
males.
animals take turns accessing food and mates in a random order.
individuals compete for resources but never establish social ranks.
short answer expectations: if you skip this question your quiz will not be

• 4 points

graded
describe one example of an altruistic behavior in animals and explain why
this behavior benefits the group even though it may put the individual at
risk.
your answer
certain animals will vocalize loudly when they observe a predator

• 2 points

threatening their habitat. what type of behavior is this and why is it
advantageous for the group?
this is an example of an innate behavior for defense and it can increase the survival
advantage of other members of the group even though it may be disadvantageous to
the individual organism
this is an example of a mating behavior for attracting potential partners, and it can
increase reproductive success by signaling strength and vitality

Explanation:

Altruistic behavior in animals is when an individual acts in a way that benefits the group at a cost to itself. One example is meerkats acting as sentinels. A meerkat will stand guard and watch for predators. If a predator is spotted, the sentinel will alarm - call. This alerts the rest of the group, allowing them to seek shelter. While the sentinel may draw the predator's attention to itself (putting it at risk), it ensures the survival of the group. The group benefits because more members can survive to forage, reproduce, and maintain the social structure. Another example is honeybees. Worker bees are sterile. They work to collect nectar, build the hive, and protect the queen. When a honeybee stings an intruder (e.g., a bear trying to raid the hive), it dies. But by sacrificing itself, it protects the hive (where the queen and future generations are) and the food stores, which benefits the entire colony.

For the second part, when certain animals vocalize loudly at the sight of a predator, this is altruistic behavior (not innate defense behavior as wrongly marked in the given options). By vocalizing, the animal warns the group. The group can then take evasive action. The individual may be at risk (as the predator may target it), but the group's survival chances increase. This is advantageous for the group as more members can survive to continue the population, maintain social bonds (if it's a social species), and ensure the continuation of behaviors like foraging, which support the group's overall well - being.

Answer:

For the first question (example of altruistic behavior):

• Meerkat sentinel behavior: The sentinel meerkat risks its life by alerting the group to predators. The group benefits as more members can survive to maintain the social structure, forage, and reproduce.
• Honeybee stinging behavior: Worker honeybees die when they sting intruders. But this protects the hive (queen and food stores), ensuring the colony's survival.

For the second question:

• This is altruistic behavior. It is advantageous for the group because the vocalization warns others, increasing the group's survival chances. The group can avoid the predator, continue essential activities (like foraging, caring for young), and maintain the population.