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 squirrels show no alarm. Which of the following best explains these observations?
A) The squirrels cannot see red objects, and so do not make alarm sounds.
B) The owl model, but not the red block, 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 owl model represents a natural predator, triggering a specific, innate response (alarm vocalizations) in the squirrels, while the red block, lacking features of a predator, does not elicit this response.

Squirrels Will Make Alarm Sounds When a Model of an Owl