Question

question 1 of 20 : select the best answer for the question. 1. which of the following does not describe a function of aggressive animal behavior? a. aggressive behavior is displayed to determine who is allowed to mate. b. aggressive behavior is displayed to establish territorial boundaries. c. aggressive behavior is displayed to establish hierarchy without violence. d. aggressive behavior leads to fights that allow strong animals kill off weaker members of the species. mark for review (will be highlighted on the review page)

Explanation:

• Option A: Aggressive behavior in animals can determine mating rights (e.g., competing for access to mates), so this is a function.
• Option B: Animals use aggression to establish territorial boundaries (e.g., defending a nesting area), so this is a function.
• Option C: Aggressive behavior (even if ritualized) can establish hierarchy without severe violence (e.g., dominance displays in primates), so this is a function.
• Option D: Aggressive behavior in nature is not typically to "kill off weaker members" but for resource/territory/mate competition; natural selection favors survival of fittest, but aggression is more about competition than culling the weak in this way. This does not describe a function of aggressive animal behavior.

Answer:

D. Aggressive behavior leads to fights that allow strong animals kill off weaker members of the species.