Question

Given below is a table with ecological observations and processes. \begin{center} \begin{tabular}{|l|l|} \hline Ecological observations & Processes
\hline P) Bright spotted pigmentation in guppy males in low predation habitats & I) Kin selection
Q) Vampire bats share blood meals & II) Sexual selection
R) Cooperative breeding in African weaver birds & III) Reciprocal altruism
\hline \end{tabular} \end{center} Select the option that best matches each ecological observation with its corresponding process.

• A. P-III, Q-I, R-II
• B. P-II, Q-III, R-I
• C. P-II, Q-III, R-II
• D. P-II, Q-I, R-III

Hint:

To match ecological observations: 1. Sexual selection involves traits enhancing mating success (e.g., guppy pigmentation).
2. Reciprocal altruism occurs when unrelated individuals exchange mutual benefits (e.g., blood-sharing in bats).
3. Kin selection involves helping relatives to increase inclusive fitness (e.g., cooperative breeding).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Match each observation with its process. (P) Bright spotted pigmentation in guppy males in low predation habitats: This trait enhances reproductive success by attracting mates, making it an example of sexual selection (II). (Q) Vampire bats share blood meals: Sharing resources like blood meals among unrelated individuals demonstrates reciprocal benefits over time, fitting reciprocal altruism (III). (R) Cooperative breeding in African weaver birds: In cooperative breeding, individuals help raise relatives’ offspring, increasing inclusive fitness, which aligns with kin selection (I). Step 2: Evaluate the options. Option (A): Incorrect. P-III (reciprocal altruism) and R-II (sexual selection) are mismatched. Option (B): Correct. P-II (sexual selection), Q-III (reciprocal altruism), and R-I (kin selection) are correctly matched. Option (C): Incorrect. R-II (sexual selection) is incorrectly assigned. Option (D): Incorrect. Q-I (kin selection) is incorrect, as vampire bats are not sharing meals with relatives.