In Belding's ground squirrels, it is mostly the females that behave altruistically by sounding alarm calls. What is the likely reason for this distinction?
A) Males have smaller vocal cords and are less likely to make sounds.
B) Females invest more in foraging and food stores, so they are more defensive.
C) Females settle in the area in which they were born, so the alarm is more likely to warn kin.
D) The sex ratio is biased.
E) Males forage in areas separate from females; therefore, alarm calls are useless.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Females in Belding's ground squirrels tend to stay in the area where they were born, which means their alarm calls are more likely to benefit their relatives, thus promoting the spread of their genes through kin selection. This is a form of altruistic behavior explained by kin selection theory.

In Belding's Ground Squirrels, It Is Mostly the Females That