Squirrels will make alarm sounds when a model of an owl is placed in their territory. When a red block the same size of the owl is placed in the territory, the squirrel does not alarm. What can you conclude from these observations?
A) The squirrel cannot see red objects, and so does not make alarm sounds.
B) The owl model, but not the red block, is a sign that triggers the fixed action pattern of alarm vocalizations.
C) The owl model is the ultimate cause of alarm vocalization behavior.
D) The squirrel is trying to attract the owl into its territory.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The observations suggest that the squirrel is recognizing the model of an owl as a potential predator and is responding with alarm sounds. This is likely due to a fixed action pattern triggered by the specific visual cues of the owl model, rather than simply responding to any object in its territory. The lack of a response to the red block, which is the same size as the owl model, suggests that the squirrel is not simply responding to the presence of any object but is specifically recognizing the owl model as a potential threat. The observations do not provide evidence for the other choices.

Squirrels Will Make Alarm Sounds When a Model of an Owl