[Campbell Biology P.1188] A biologist observes that a male bird performs a complex courtship ... | Practice Question

A biologist observes that a male bird performs a complex courtship dance only when a female is present and receptive. Which of Tinbergen's four questions is most directly addressed by investigating why the female's presence triggers this specific dance?

  • A: What event or signal triggers the behavior?
  • B: How does experience during growth and development influence the behavior?
  • C: How does the behavior aid survival and reproduction?
  • D: How has the behavior been shaped by natural selection?

Explanation

This scenario directly asks about the immediate stimulus the female's presence that triggers the behavior, which falls under Tinbergen's first question, "What event or signal triggers the behavior?" proximate causation .