Which of the following signals would be LEAST likely to be regarded as a necessarily honest signal of the sender's quality?
A) a male blue gourami spreading his fins when his territory is invaded.
B) a male blue-footed booby displaying his bright blue-green feet to a female.
C) a male common loon's "yodel" call when a rival male encroaches on his territory.
D) a male red deer's constant roaring during the rut.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Honest signaling in animal communication theory refers to signals that accurately convey information about the sender's qualities or intentions. The spreading of fins by a male blue gourami when his territory is invaded might not necessarily be an honest signal of the sender's quality because it could be a bluff or a threat display that does not directly correlate with the sender's actual fighting ability or genetic fitness. In contrast, the other options (B, C, D) involve displays or calls that are more directly tied to the sender's physical condition or genetic quality, making them more likely to be honest signals.

Which of the Following Signals Would Be LEAST Likely to Be