Question

Belding's ground squirrel is a species whose females produce a shrill alarm call when predators are close by. The ground squirrels that sound this call are more likely to be eaten by those predators than those who do not sound alarm calls. This behaviour persists in the population of ground squirrels because

• A. Squirrels that sound the alarm call produce more offspring.
• B. The caller will attract a mate while sounding the call.
• C. The inclusive fitness of the caller is increased.
• D. All ground squirrels are born knowing how to do this because it is important.
• E. It increases the number of offspring the caller is able to leave behind since they are protected.

Answer 1

The correct option is D All ground squirrels are born knowing how to do this because it is important.

The act of producing shrill alarm call in squirrels is a way of interspecies communication. Squirrels produce this shrill alarm call to make their partners aware of the danger due to the predator. Hence this is important for them to escape the predator.

So, the correct answer is 'All ground squirrels are born knowing how to do this because it is important'.