[Campbell Biology P.1203] Which of the following statements accurately describes the competit... | Practice Question
Which of the following statements accurately describes the competitive interactions among the three male morphs of the side-blotched lizard Uta stansburiana ?
A: Orange-throats defend large territories and are dominant over blue-throats, while yellow-throats are sneaky but vulnerable to blue-throats.
B: Blue-throats defend small territories, are abundant, and can defend against yellow-throats but are vulnerable to hyperaggressive orange-throats.
C: Yellow-throats are nonterritorial, mimic females, and are the most abundant morph, often outcompeting orange-throats for mates.
D: The interaction forms a linear dominance hierarchy where orange-throats dominate blue-throats, blue-throats dominate yellow-throats, and yellow-throats dominate orange-throats.
Explanation
The text states that 'Blue-throats are abundant, they can defend the few females in their territories from the advances of the sneaky yellow-throat males. However, blue-throats cannot defend their territories against the hyperaggressive orange-throats.' This accurately summarizes the blue-throat's position in the rock-paper-scissors dynamic.