Ground squirrels will often give a warning call when they see a predator, altering the other ground squirrels to the danger. Calling behavior draws attention to the calling squirrel. This being the case, why would natural selection favor this altruistic behavior? Consider this - female squirrels are 70% more likely to make a warning call than male squirrels. Also consider, male squirrels leave the colony when they reach maturity, while female squirrels stay in the colony they are born in. Explain how natural selection is working here!

Ground squirrels will often give a warning call when they see a predator, altering the other ground squirrels to the danger. Calling behavior draws attention to the calling squirrel. This being the case, why would natural selection favor this altruistic behavior? Consider this - female squirrels are 70% more likely to make a warning call than male squirrels. Also consider, male squirrels leave the colony when they reach maturity, while female squirrels stay in the colony they are born in. Explain how natural selection is working here!

Biology (MindTap Course List)

11th Edition

ISBN:9781337392938

Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg

Publisher:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg

Chapter52: Animal Behavior

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 15TYU

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