Question

some behaviors, such as nest building in birds, are determined by the genes of an organism. these innate behaviors are inherited from parent to offspring and exhibited even if the offspring does not observe its parent performing the behavior. nest building behavior was most likely an evolutionary advantage because birds that built nests were more likely to raise their young to maturity and thus increase their reproductive success. that is, birds that laid their eggs in nests had more offspring survive to adulthood. behaviors that are determined by genes and that give an organism increased reproductive success usually become common in a species due to a. random chance. b. autosomal mutation. c. asexual reproduction. d. natural selection.

Explanation:

The question is about inherited behaviors (like nest - building in birds) that increase reproductive success becoming common in a species. Natural selection is the process where traits (including behavioral traits) that enhance an organism's reproductive success are more likely to be passed on and become common in a population. Random chance (option A) doesn't explain the increase of beneficial traits. Autosomal mutation (option B) is about genetic changes in autosomes and not directly related to the spread of beneficial inherited behaviors. Asexual reproduction (option C) is a type of reproduction and not the mechanism for the spread of beneficial inherited behaviors. So the correct answer is related to natural selection.

Answer:

D. natural selection.