Understand: evolution of group behavior

Prairie dogs are small mammals that live in burrows in their grassland habitats. Though small, they are fast and skilled at defending themselves using their sharp claws and teeth. Prairie dogs live in tight-knit family groups. When a nearby predator is spotted, an individual will use warning calls to warn others in the group.

Which of the following best explains the evolutionary significance of the prairie dog’s warning call behavior?

(Choice A)
The behavior increases the chance that the genetic relatives of the prairie dog that makes the call will survive to reproduce.
(Choice B)
The behavior increases the chance that the predator will survive to reproduce.
(Choice C)
The behavior increases the chance that the prairie dog that makes the call will survive to reproduce.

High school biology - NGSS

Course: High school biology - NGSS > Unit 7

Problem