-The Behaviour of Most Animals Is Influenced by the Periods

question 23

Multiple Choice

-The behaviour of most animals is influenced by the periods of daylight and darkness in the environment. Fiddler crabs' courtship behaviours are instead synchronized by the 29 1/2-day cycle of the moon. What is the adaptive significance of using lunar cues?

• A)The fiddler crab courtship ritual is highly visual so individuals need the light of the full moon to be able to observe courtship displays.
• B)Egg maturation in fiddler crab females takes 29 1/2 days.
• C)By courting at full and new moon, fiddler crabs link their reproduction to times of highest tides that disperse larvae to safer, deeper waters.
• D)The algae that larval fiddler crabs consume for energy and metabolism blooms on a monthly cycle, so recently hatched larvae have plenty to eat during a crucial time of their life.
• E)It takes about 29 days for a fiddler crab to reach sexual maturity.

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Definitions:

Gynecomastia

The enlargement of breast tissue in males, which can occur due to hormonal imbalances, medication side effects, or certain diseases.

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An individual who experiences physical or psychological development later than typically expected.

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The occurrence of the first menstrual cycle in a female, marking the beginning of reproductive capability.