Question

What is correct with respect to behaviour of domestic animals?
Statement I: All animals are selfish and self-centered.
Statement II: All animals are self-preserving.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Hint:

Avoid anthropomorphic terms like "selfish" or "self-centered" when describing animal behavior.
Focus instead on evolutionary concepts like herd dynamics and self-preservation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Animal ethology is the study of animal behavior in their natural or domestic environments.
Understanding these behaviors helps design stress-free housing, handling facilities, and management practices.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Statement I suggests that all domestic animals are inherently selfish and self-centered.
Ethological studies show that domestic herd animals (such as sheep, cattle, and horses) exhibit highly social, cooperative, and sometimes altruistic behaviors.
These include group defense, communal nursing, grooming, and sentinel behaviors where individuals look out for the herd's welfare.
Therefore, labeling them as entirely selfish is incorrect, making Statement I false.
Statement II suggests that all animals are self-preserving.
Self-preservation is a universal evolutionary drive.
All domestic animals possess innate behaviors to seek food, avoid pain, flee from predators, and find shelter to ensure their survival.
Therefore, Statement II is correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Statement I is incorrect because animals exhibit social and cooperative behaviors, while Statement II is correct because self-preservation is a basic biological drive.