DeCoursey and colleagues (1997) destroyed the SCN of some antelope ground squirrels (Ammospermophilus leucurus) and compared their survival rate outdoors to that of intact animals. They found that
A) a predatory cat killed 60% of the SCN-lesioned squirrels, but only 29% of the control animals.
B) both SCN-lesioned and control squirrels were active primarily during daylight.
C) the SCN-lesioned animals were more likely than control animals to be active on the ground surface at night.
D) all of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

DeCoursey and colleagues' study showed that SCN-lesioned squirrels had altered activity patterns, making them more vulnerable to predation at night, which is reflected in all the statements provided. The SCN (suprachiasmatic nucleus) is crucial for regulating circadian rhythms, and its destruction led to the squirrels being more active at times when they were more at risk, thus affecting their survival rates.

DeCoursey and Colleagues (1997) Destroyed the SCN of Some Antelope