[Campbell Biology P.1194] Based on Niko Tinbergen's digger wasp experiment Figure 51.8 , what... | Practice Question

Based on Niko Tinbergen's digger wasp experiment Figure 51.8 , what is the primary conclusion regarding how these wasps locate their nests?

  • A: They rely primarily on olfactory cues specific to their own burrow.
  • B: They use the relative position of visible landmarks to remember their nest site.
  • C: They possess an innate sense of direction that guides them back to the nest.
  • D: They follow a trail left by themselves when departing the nest.

Explanation

Tinbergen's experiment demonstrated that when the pinecones, which served as visual landmarks, were moved, the wasp flew to the center of the pinecone circle rather than its original nest site. This clearly showed that the wasp used these visual landmarks to navigate back to its nest.