Scientists Studying Monogamy in Prairie Voles Discover a Single Male

question 39

Multiple Choice

Scientists studying monogamy in prairie voles discover a single male prairie vole that displays infidelity toward its mate. Which of the following hypotheses might explain this behavior?

• A) This male must have learned infidelity from its father.
• B) A mutation in this male causes him to produce fewer receptors for vasopressin.
• C) This male must have more vasopressin receptors than normal prairie voles.
• D) This male must have a longer version of the vasopressin receptor gene.

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Definitions:

Endotherms

Animals that regulate their body temperature internally, producing their own heat.

Hypothalamus

Forebrain region that controls processes related to homeostasis; produces and controls release of some hormones.

Primary Thermostat

A fundamental regulatory mechanism or device that controls the primary temperature settings within a given environment or system.

Vertebrate Body

The structural framework of vertebrates, characterized by a backbone or spine, and includes the skeletal, muscular, and internal organ systems.