[Campbell Biology P.49] A biologist observes a prairie dog risking its life by barking loud... | Practice Question

A biologist observes a prairie dog risking its life by barking loudly to warn its colony of an approaching predator, even though this attracts the predator's attention to itself. Based on Concept 51.4, which of the following best explains this behavior?

  • A: Fixed action patterns.
  • B: Natural selection favoring individual survival.
  • C: Inclusive fitness, as it increases the survival of genetically related individuals.
  • D: Behavioral rhythms.

Explanation

Concept 51.4 specifically lists 'Inclusive Fitness' and 'Altruism' as sub-topics. Altruistic behaviors, like the warning call, benefit the survival of relatives, thereby increasing the overall inclusive fitness of the individual's genes, even if the individual's direct survival is jeopardized.