Mantis shrimp (Gonodactylus bredini) give a threat display called the meral spread even immediately after molting when they are actually virtually defenseless. This bluff is likely to remain effective in the population because
A) a signaler that is not newly molted can inflict serious, even lethal, injury on an opponent.
B) it is identical in form to meral spread displays given by individuals that are not newly molted.
C) on average, the signal is honest.
D) all of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The meral spread display remains effective because it meets all the criteria listed: A) capable individuals can cause serious harm, B) the display looks the same regardless of the individual's current state, and C) most of the time, the signal accurately reflects the shrimp's ability to defend itself, making it generally honest.

Mantis Shrimp (Gonodactylus Bredini) Give a Threat Display Called the Meral