To support the sub-hypothesis that wing waving alone reduces predation by jumping spiders in the Zonosemata experiment, we would expect results that indicate the flies are less frequently attacked due to their wing waving behavior.
Among the options provided:
a. Zonosemata flies with housefly wings are attacked less frequently. - This result would suggest that the wing waving of Zonosemata flies is not the factor contributing to reduced predation since housefly wings do not exhibit the same waving behavior.
b. Zonosemata flies with their own wings cut and reglued are attacked less frequently. - This result would suggest that even when the Zonosemata wings are altered but still able to produce some form of waving, they might still be effective. It does not directly support the sub-hypothesis unless the bending and repositioning mimic wing waving.
c. Houseflies with Zonosemata wings are attacked less frequently. - This indicates that the wing shape or pattern may provide some form of protection, not that the wing waving of Zonosemata itself is responsible for reduced attacks.
d. Untreated Zonosemata flies are attacked less frequently. - This result would strongly support the hypothesis that the natural behavior of Zonosemata, including wing waving, is effective in reducing predation since these flies are performing their typical behavior without any manipulation.
Thus, the result that would most clearly support the sub-hypothesis that wing waving alone reduces predation by jumping spiders is:
d. Untreated Zonosemata flies are attacked less frequently.
2 answers