In a songbird species,defending a territory saved the bird 584 calories a day in reduced foraging activity,but cost the bird 656 calories in defense of the territory.In this case,is defending the territory consistent with the predictions on optimality theory?
A)No,because because a bird of this species will lose 72 calories per day due to defending the territory.
B)Yes,because because a bird of this species will save 72 calories per day due to defending the territory.
C)No,because there are no additional benefits aside from food to defending a territory.
D)No,because because a bird of this species won't be able to invest in parental care when defending the territory.
E)Yes,because because a bird of this species will minimize predation risk by defending the territory.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Defending the territory results in a net loss of 72 calories per day (656 calories spent on defense - 584 calories saved = 72 calories lost), which does not support the predictions of optimality theory that animals behave in ways that maximize their net energy gain.

In a Songbird Species,defending a Territory Saved the Bird 584