Question

Why does herding help the Harris hawk survive better?

A) It allows them to hunt larger prey more efficiently.
B) It helps them protect their territory from other predators.
C) It increases their chances of finding food in open areas.
D) It enables them to communicate and coordinate with other hawks.
E) It reduces the risk of predation by confusing potential threats.

Answer 1

Herding helps the Harris hawk survive better by allowing them to hunt larger prey more efficiently (Option A).

Step-by-step explanation:

Harris hawks, known for their cooperative hunting behavior, engage in herding to improve their hunting success. By working together, they can effectively target larger prey that would be challenging for a single hawk to capture. This strategy involves one hawk driving the prey towards another, creating a coordinated effort to secure a meal. Herding not only enables the hawks to tackle larger prey but also enhances their overall foraging efficiency.

Options B, C, and D are less relevant to the primary advantage of herding in hunting efficiency. Protecting territory, finding food in open areas, and communicating are important aspects of a hawk's behavior, but the key benefit of herding, especially for the Harris hawk, lies in the cooperative approach to capturing larger prey.

The ability to hunt larger prey more efficiently through herding significantly contributes to the survival and success of Harris hawks, showcasing the adaptive advantage of this cooperative hunting behavior.