Final answer:
The cardinal is the recipient of the second behavior when the blue jay backs off after a territorial dispute at a bird feeder. This interaction is a common example of how birds defend resources and establish dominance within their community. The correct answer is option 2) the cardinal
Step-by-step explanation:
In the scenario described, a blue jay attempts to displace a cardinal from a small bird feeder, but the cardinal stands its ground, resulting in the blue jay backing off. The bird that is the recipient of the second behavior, in this case, the behavior of the blue jay backing off, is the cardinal. This interaction is an example of territorial or competitive behavior commonly observed among birds and other animals. Animals often engage in a variety of behaviors to defend their resources, display dominance, or court potential mates.
Typical bird behaviors related to territory and mating display complex social dynamics in avian communities. For example, male robins display their bright red chest to defend their territories, while bowerbirds collect objects to decorate their nests to attract females. Multiple strategies are employed by different species, including vocal warnings, physical displays, and sometimes deceptive behaviors to improve access to resources or increase their chances of reproduction.
Biologists study these behaviors to understand the ecological relationships between species and how these interactions affect survival and natural selection. By setting up controlled conditions and observing the responses of birds to various stimuli, researchers can gather data that contributes to our understanding of ecological dynamics and inter-species communication.