Crews and colleagues (1984, 1987) examined patterns of reproduction with regard to (1) gamete production, (2) secretion of sex steroids, and (3) timing of mating behavior in a wide variety of vertebrates and found that three general patterns of reproduction emerged. The zebra finch, for example, which lives in the deserts of Australia where rainfall occurs rarely and unpredictably, court, copulate, and build nests within hours of a significant rainfall. This pattern would be an example of a(n)
A) associated reproductive pattern.
B) dissociated reproductive pattern.
C) interventional reproductive pattern.
D) opportunistic reproductive pattern.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The zebra finch's reproductive behavior, which is closely tied to the occurrence of rainfall, exemplifies an opportunistic reproductive pattern. This pattern is characterized by taking immediate advantage of favorable environmental conditions, such as rainfall, to engage in reproductive activities.

Crews and Colleagues (1984, 1987) Examined Patterns of Reproduction with Regard