Suppose the sub-hypothesis that wing waving alone reduces predation by jumping spiders was supported by the Zonosemata experiment. What results would have supported that sub-hypothesis?

Question

Zonosemata flies with housefly wings are attacked less frequently.
Zonosemata flies with their own wings cut and reglued are attacked less frequently.
Houseflies with Zonosemata wings are attacked less frequently.
Untreated Zonosemata flies are attacked less frequently.

Answer 1

To support the sub-hypothesis that wing waving alone reduces predation by jumping spiders in the Zonosemata experiment, the results would need to demonstrate that the specific behavior of wing waving (potentially mimicking the appearance or movement of the Zonosemata's natural wings) leads to a reduced attack rate from predators.

Given the options provided, the most relevant result to support the sub-hypothesis would be:

Untreated Zonosemata flies are attacked less frequently.

This result indicates that the natural wing waving behavior of Zonosemata flies (without any manipulation or alteration) is effective in reducing predation, suggesting that the act of wing waving itself plays a role in their survival against jumping spiders.

The other options either involve manipulation of wings or different species, which do not specifically test the effectiveness of the wing waving behavior of Zonosemata flies.