In Belding's Ground Squirrels, It Is Mostly the Females That

question 3

Multiple Choice

In Belding's ground squirrels, it is mostly the females that behave altruistically by sounding alarm calls. What is the likely reason for this distinction?

• A) Males have smaller vocal cords and are less likely to make sounds.
• B) Females invest more in foraging and food stores, so they are more defensive.
• C) Females settle in the area in which they were born, so the alarm is warning kin.
• D) The sex ratio is biased.
• E) Males forage in areas separate from females; therefore, alarm calls are useless.

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