A Scientist Notes That Male Rabbits That Successfully Mated with a Particular

question 48

Multiple Choice

A scientist notes that male rabbits that successfully mated with a particular female have bushier tails than those that were unsuccessful in mating with her. The researcher then alters the size of the tail in the successful males, making it smaller, and gives the unsuccessful males a larger tail. What effect is this likely to have on a receptive female?

• A) The female is likely to choose a male that was the originally successful male because she recognizes him from previous encounters.
• B) The female is likely to avoid both the altered males because they are now artificial.
• C) The female is likely to mate with the male with the largest tail.
• D) There will be no change because female rabbits are not selective in mating.

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Definitions:

Circular Opening

An opening or hole that is round in shape.

Iris

The colored part of the eye that controls the diameter and size of the pupil, thus regulating the amount of light that enters the eye.

Pupil

The opening in the center of the iris of the eye that adjusts size to control the amount of light reaching the retina.

Protective Covering

A layer or structure that serves to shield or guard an organism or part of an organism from harm or injury.