Which of the following would NOT be considered a cost of multimodal communication?
A) being able to send more information per unit time, particularly for nonredundant signals
B) devoting more sensory infrastructure to signaling conspecifics rather than predator detection
C) receivers requiring more energy to receive and process multiple signals
D) senders requiring more energy to signal over multiple channels

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Multimodal communication, involving the use of multiple channels or modes to convey information, generally increases the efficiency and effectiveness of communication. Option A, being able to send more information per unit time, especially for nonredundant signals, is actually a benefit of multimodal communication rather than a cost. It enhances the ability to convey complex or nuanced information. In contrast, options B, C, and D describe costs associated with the increased demands on both senders and receivers in terms of energy expenditure and the allocation of sensory and processing resources.

Which of the Following Would NOT Be Considered a Cost