[Campbell Biology P.1202] Which of the following statements about mate-choice copying in fema... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements about mate-choice copying in female guppies, as described in the text, is true?

  • A: Female guppies always choose males with more orange coloration, regardless of social influence.
  • B: Mate-choice copying causes female guppies to prefer less colorful males under all circumstances if a model female is present.
  • C: If a female guppy observes a model female 'courting' a male, she will copy that choice unless the alternative male has much more orange coloration.
  • D: Mate-choice copying is an innate behavior, not a form of social learning.

Explanation

The text states, 'Guppy females ignored the mate choice of the model only if an alternative male had much more orange coloration.' This confirms that copying occurs unless there's a significant difference in color, which makes option C correct. Options A, B, and D contradict the information provided in the text regarding the conditions of copying and its classification as social learning.