Question

question 1 of 10
a scientist bred fruit flies in two separate containers with different food sources for many generations. when she put the fruit flies from the two containers together again, she observed that the flies preferred mates raised on the same food. which hypothesis was the scientist most likely testing?
a. fruit flies breed too quickly.
b. fruit flies are picky eaters.
c. diet affects mate choice.
d. diet determines mate size.

Explanation:

The scientist bred fruit flies with different food sources (diet factor) and then observed mate - choice behavior. The key is to link the variable (diet) with the observed behavior (mate choice).

• Option A: The experiment is not about breeding speed.
• Option B: The focus is on mate choice, not eating habits.
• Option C: Since diet (different food sources) was manipulated and mate choice (flies preferring mates from the same food source) was observed, this option is relevant.
• Option D: There is no mention of mate size in the experiment description.

Answer:

C. Diet affects mate choice.