1. Label the following as proximate or ultimate explanations for why a particula

Question

1. Label the following as proximate or ultimate explanations for why a particular type of moth

pulls its forewings forward when it is touched.

a. The behavior is learned. _____________

b. Wing flipping scares some predators away. ____________

c. The behavior is the product of a special set of muscle contractions. _______________

d. The behavior is a modified version of wing movements that ancestral moths probably

used to raise their body temperature in order to begin flying. _______________

e. The moth’s genes influence the way the adult animal’s nervous system forms

connections between its muscles and its wings. _____________

Explanation / Answer

Proximate is an immediate response of an organism which explains how the particular organisms react in the way that it does(answers the question of how) It is a type of genetic, and physiological mechanisms of behaviour whereas ultimate means why the organism evolved to react in that certain way(answers the question of why)

a) The behaviour is learned- proximate

Learning behaviour is not an evolved process, therefore, this is the proximate cause

b) Wing flipping scares some predator away- Ultimate

It is an ultimate cause because it is an evolved behaviour which is important for the survival

c) The behaviour is the product of a special set of muscle contractions- proximate

All moth does not have muscle(wing) contraction, this is due to some genetic cause, therefore, this is the proximate cause

d) The behaviour is modified version of wings movements that ancestral moths probably used to raise their body temperature in order to begin flying- Ultimate

This is an ultimate cause because it is an evolved behaviour of many moths so that they become able to fly

e) The moth's genes influence the way the adult animal's nervous system forms connections between its muscles and its wings-proximate

This is the very specific event. It is a proximate cause because this can happen due to the physiological development or genetic development

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