TEST 2 PREP
1. (2 marks) Define crypsis and explain how it differs from camouflage. Give one example.
2. (2 marks) What is Batesian mimicry? Describe the conditions under which it is most effective.
3. (2 marks) Explain the concept of sensory exploitation in animal communication. Provide one example.
4. (2 marks) Define illegitimate signaler. Provide one example from lecture content.
5. (2 marks) What does the marginal value theorem predict about when an animal should leave a food patch?
Section B – Multiple Choice (5 marks)
Circle the best answer for each question.
6. (1 mark) Which of the following is NOT an example of Müllerian mimicry?
a) Two poisonous frog species converging on similar warning coloration
b) A harmless butterfly mimicking a toxic butterfly
c) Several species of stinging bees sharing similar warning stripes
d) Multiple unpalatable moth species resembling each other
7. (1 mark) Bolas spiders attract moths by:
a) Resembling twigs to avoid being detected
b) Emitting moth sex pheromones
c) Vibrating webs to mimic male moths
d) Camouflaging with fecal matter
8. (1 mark) Which of the following best explains reciprocal altruism?
a) A sterile worker bee helping the queen reproduce
b) A male bird grooming another, expecting future grooming in return
c) An ant defending its colony at its own expense
d) A prairie dog giving alarm calls to protect kin
9. (1 mark) In the ideal free distribution (IFD) model, animals move between habitats when:
a) One habitat becomes completely empty
b) All individuals have equal dominance rank
c) Fitness payoffs equalize across patches due to density effects
d) Predators are absent
10. (1 mark) Which of the following is a cost of territoriality?
a) Guaranteed access to food patches
b) Increased vigilance and fighting effort
c) Reduced competition
d) Access to mates
Section C – Short Answer / Data-Based (10 marks)
11. (3 marks) Using the caterpillar eye-spot study as an example, explain how posture and visual features interact to reduce predation. What were the findings?
12. (3 marks) In the crow snail-dropping study, explain why ~5 meters was the optimal drop height. What trade-offs were considered in determining “profitability”?
13. (4 marks) Describe how bats use eavesdropping to prey on Tungara frogs. What role did water ripples and environmental clutter play in the experiment?
Section D – Discussion Questions (10 marks)
14. (5 marks) Orchids use multiple deceptive strategies to attract pollinators.
a) Explain two different deception strategies (e.g., sexual deception, carrion mimicry).
b) Discuss the costs and benefits for both the orchid and the pollinator.
15. (5 marks) Compare mutualism, kin selection, and reciprocal altruism.
Define each
Give one real-world example per type
Explain how each benefits fitness