Question

Belding’s ground squirrel is a species whose females produce a shrill alarm call when predators are close by. The ground squirrels that sound this call are more likely to be eaten by those predators than those who do not sound alarm calls. This behavior persists in the ground squirrels because:
A. Squirrels that sound the alarm calls produce more offspring.
B. The caller will attract a mate while sounding the call.
C. The inclusive fitness of the caller is increased.
D. All ground squirrels are born knowing how to do it because it is important.
E. It increases the number of offspring the caller is able to leave behind since they are protected.

Answer 1

Hint: Alarm sign, is a way of communicating threats and dangers within animal populations. In many instances the sign is visible or vocal, however a few animals-ants, bees, and sure fishes, for example-secrete chemical substances. Alarm communications often cross the boundaries of species and thus benefit more than one type of species.

Complete answer:
Option A: Alarm calls and number of offsprings have no relation at all. So, this option is eliminated.
Thus, Option-A is not correct.
Option B: Shrill alarm calls are just meant to increase the alertness in others in case of danger so in any way it does not relate with mating calls. So, this option cannot be possible.
Thus, Option B is not correct.
Option C: Alarm calls and fitness of the squirrel are two different aspects and hence this option is also not correct.
Thus, Option C is also not correct.
Option D: Shrill calls are a way by which interspecies communication is achieved. Squirrels produce this shrill alarm in order to make their companions privy to the threat because of the predator. Hence that is critical for them to get away from the predator.
Thus, Option D is correct.
Option E: Shrill alarm calls are only to ensure alertness in case of danger and in no way, it protects the offsprings from the predator. Thus, this option is also not correct.
Thus, Option E is incorrect.

Therefore, Option D. All ground squirrels are born knowing how to do it because it is important is correct.

Note:
Belding's ground squirrels (Spermophilus beldingi) are group-dwelling diurnal rodents that are found in the alpine and subalpine meadows of the western United States. The lifestyles records of Belding's floor squirrels comprise of \[4\]-month lively seasons interspersed with \[8\]-month hibernation periods. Their annual cycle is rigidly restricted with the aid of using excessive seasonal modifications in climate, and ontogenetic improvement is elevated as compared to that of non-hibernating rodents of comparable frame size. Between weaning and access into hibernation \[7 - 12\] weeks later, frame mass of juveniles will increase \[4 - 6\] fold.