Question

The following observations have been made about moose living in the northeastern forests of the United States.

Male moose grow very broad antlers each year and lose them after the mating season in autumn.

Large, heavy antlers can make escaping predators in a forest difficult if the trees grow closely together or if the underbrush is thick.

Female moose do not develop antlers.

Female moose raise their calves alone without the assistance of males.

What is the most likely inference that can be drawn from these observations?

Answer 1

B) Antlers make a male moose more likely to attract a mate and pass on the gene for antlers.

Step-by-step explanation:

Male moose develop antlers in the breeding season as a strategy of attracting sex partners of the opposite sex. Antlers waste a lot of energy and make it difficult for the male moose to escape from predators during the busiest times of the year, so they lose their horns in seasons when they do not need the antlers to attract females. Moose with larger antlers are more attractive to females and therefore have a greater chance of breeding. It is likely, therefore, that the genes of moose with greater antlers are more frequent in the population over time.

Answer 2

Choices:
A) Having antlers makes the males grow bigger so they can better compete for food in the fall.
B) Antlers make a male moose more likely to attract a mate and pass on the gene for antlers. THIS IS THE CORRECT ANSWER

C) Male moose spend all their excess energy growing antlers and cannot help raise offspring.
D) Male moose without antlers are more attractive to females because they can escape predators