Chapter 31, Problem 27A

Summary Introduction

Introduction: The study of the interaction of living things with each other and their environment is known as ecology. Every animal interacts with each other and it could be within the members of the same species or the members of the different species.

Answer to Problem 27A

Correct answer:

The correct answer is option (c) nurturing.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option (c) is nurturing. The behavior developed in parents to look after their offspring in the early stages of development is known as nurturing behavior. It costs the energy of the parents as the extra work is required to sustain offspring until it can take care of itself. Thus, this is the correct option.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option (a) is agonistic behavior. The behavior developed by some animals in which one animal is the winner and controls the resources such as food and potential mates. Thus, this is an incorrect option.

Option (b) is migration. The behavior in some animals due to which they move to some other place basically to long distances seasonal to new locations is migration behavior or migratory behavior. Thus, this is an incorrect option.

Option (d) is territorial. When an animal adopts and controls a physical area against other animals of the same species, it is known as territorial behavior. Thus, this is an incorrect option.

Conclusion

Hence, the behavior which ensures that offspring have an increased chance of survival is option (c) nurturing.