When a tropical moth of the genus Automeris is touched on the thorax it lifts it

Question

When a tropical moth of the genus Automeris is touched on the thorax it lifts its forewings up abruptly, exposing its brightly coloured hindwings. What causes the moth to behave this way? For each explanation, first identify whether it focuses on a proximate or ultimate cause. Then label each explanation as: genetic-developmental (G), physiological-psychological (P), evolutionary history (EH), or adaptive value (AV). The behaviour is instinctive. Wing flipping scares some predators away. The behaviour is the product of a special set of muscle contractions. The behaviour is a modified version of wing movements that many moths use to raise their body temperature in order to begin flying.

Explanation / Answer

(a) The behaviour is instinctive - It is a proximate case and the explanation is Genetic - development

(b) Wing flipping sacres some predators away - It is a Ultimate case and the explanation is Evolutionary History

(c) The behaviour is a product of special set of muscle contractions - It is a Proximate case andtrhe explanation is Physiological/Psychological

(d) The behaviour is amodified version of wing movements that many moths use to raise their body temperature in order to begin flying - It is a Ultimate case and explanation is Evolutionary History

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