Which of the following statements about evolution of behavior is correct?
A) Natural selection will favor behavior that enhances survival and reproduction.
B) An animal may show behavior that minimizes reproductive fitness.
C) If a behavior is less than optimal, it will eventually become optimal through natural selection.
D) Innate behaviors cannot be altered by natural selection.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Natural selection favors behaviors that enhance an organism's survival and reproduction, as they are more likely to pass their genes on to future generations. Behaviors that decrease an organism's reproductive fitness are selected against.

Option B is incorrect because behavior that reduces an organism's reproductive fitness is not beneficial and would not be selected for by natural selection.

Option C is incorrect because natural selection does not guarantee that all behaviors will become optimal - rather, it can only select for traits that increase an organism's fitness in a given environment.

Option D is incorrect because innate behaviors can certainly be altered by natural selection if they affect an organism's survival or reproduction.

Which of the Following Statements About Evolution of Behavior Is