Contests between animals often end in ritualistic displays, rather than a physical fight, because
A) contests are evolutionarily unstable strategies.
B) non-fighting males steal the resource while the others fight.
C) the value of the resource exceeds the cost of fighting.
D) the social group intervenes.
E) of the cost of injuries to combatants.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ritualistic displays are favored over physical fights in animal contests primarily because of the high cost of injuries that could result from fighting. These injuries could significantly impact an animal's future survival and reproductive success, making it more advantageous to resolve disputes through displays rather than actual combat.

Contests Between Animals Often End in Ritualistic Displays, Rather Than