Question

Organisms that live in the rainforest have developed unique adaptations that aid in their survival. The greater yellow-headed vulture is found in undisturbed lowland tropical forests of the Amazon basin. It tracks down carrion to feed on by detecting the production of ethyl mercaptan, a gas that is produced at the beginning of animal decay.

A vulture in flight.

Photo by Sidnei Dantas

Which adaptation might be found in the greater yellow-headed vulture, but not in the harpy eagle?

a.
acute sense of smell
b.
a powerful, hooked bill
c.
close-set eyes to judge distances
d.
short wingspan for maneuverability

Answer 1

a. acute sense of smell

Vultures use a keen sense of smell to locate carrion (detecting gases like ethyl mercaptan); harpy eagles hunt live prey visually and rely on acute vision and powerful talons.