Question

Reproductive Success Online Practice
Complete this assessment to review what you’ve learned. It will not count toward your grade.
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Question
Birds use courtship behaviors to attract a mate, which improves their reproductive success. Which courtship behavior also improves their chances of survival?(1 point)
Responses

Male golden eagles dive at nearly 200 miles per hour and catch sticks in midair as an elaborate courtship and territorial display.
Male golden eagles dive at nearly 200 miles per hour and catch sticks in midair as an elaborate courtship and territorial display.

Male sage grouse, normally camouflaged by their dull coloring, dance and call out in the open to attract nearby females.
Male sage grouse, normally camouflaged by their dull coloring, dance and call out in the open to attract nearby females.

Male mockingbirds can sing 200 different songs, mocking sounds around them in order to attract females and defend their territory.
Male mockingbirds can sing 200 different songs, mocking sounds around them in order to attract females and defend their territory.

Male birds with bright colors have to preen frequently in order to maintain their feathers and keep pests away so they can attract mates

Answers

GPT-4o mini
To determine which courtship behavior improves the chances of survival in addition to attracting a mate, we should consider how each behavior may also provide benefits in terms of survival.

1. **Golden Eagles**: Their spectacular diving at high speeds may attract females, but it may also expose them to risk during such high-energy maneuvers, potentially lowering their survival.

2. **Sage Grouse**: While their open dancing and calling attract mates, it may also make them more visible to predators, which could decrease their survival chances.

3. **Mockingbirds**: Singing and mimicking different sounds serves to attract mates and defend territory; defending territory can protect their breeding area and resources, enhancing survival possibilities.

4. **Brightly colored male birds**: Frequent preening to keep feathers clean does serve an ulterior purpose of pest removal, indirectly affecting survival by enhancing health.

Given the context that we are looking for a behavior that improves both reproductive success and chances of survival, **the male mockingbirds' ability to defend territory through song** is particularly beneficial for both attracting females and ensuring that they have the necessary resources and safe space to raise their young, hence enhancing their overall survival chances.

### Answer:
Male mockingbirds can sing 200 different songs, mocking sounds around them in order to attract females and defend their territory.