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Birds use courtship behaviors to attract a mate, which improves their reproductive success. Which courtship behavior also improves their chances of survival?

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.

3 answers

The courtship behavior that also improves chances of survival is the one associated with male mockingbirds. Their ability to sing and mimic 200 different songs serves a dual purpose: it attracts females for mating and helps defend their territory from rivals. By establishing and defending their territory effectively, mockingbirds can ensure that they have access to resources like food and nesting sites, which ultimately supports their survival alongside their reproductive success.

In contrast, the other examples may focus more on attracting mates, with potential risks to survival due to visibility to predators during courtship displays or maintaining conspicuous plumage.

What's the answer

The answer is:

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

This behavior improves their chances of survival by helping them defend their territory, which is essential for accessing resources and avoiding conflicts with rivals.