[Campbell Biology P.1193] Beyond the immediate behavioral changes listed in Table 51.1, what ... | Practice Question

Beyond the immediate behavioral changes listed in Table 51.1, what significant finding was observed regarding the progeny of cross-fostered California mice?

  • A: Their offspring displayed heightened aggression towards intruders compared to normally raised California mice.
  • B: The cross-fostered California mice, as parents, spent more time retrieving wandering offspring than those raised by their own species.
  • C: The cross-fostered California mice, as parents, spent less time retrieving wandering offspring than those raised by their own species.
  • D: Their offspring showed improved paternal behavior, similar to white-footed mice.

Explanation

The text states: 'When the cross-fostered California mice became parents, they spent less time retrieving offspring who wandered off than did California mice raised by their own species.' This indicates that the influence of experience can be passed on to the progeny, altering their parental behavior.