Question

Which of the following is NOT true regarding the evolution of group living?

a. Group living provides many benefits, but it does not improve foraging (finding food).
b. Group living includes benefits associated with safety from predators.
c. Group living requires new levels of coordination and communication between individuals.
d. A group is defined as a set of conspecific individuals that affect each other's fitness.

Answer 1

The incorrect statement regarding the evolution of group living is that it does not improve foraging, as group living does enhance foraging efficiency. Group living provides safety from predators, requires coordination and communication, and positively affects individual fitness.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that is NOT true regarding the evolution of group living is: a. Group living provides many benefits, but it does not improve foraging (finding food). Group living actually does improve foraging efficiency in many animal species.

Examples of the benefits of group living include the following:

• Safety from predators: Being a member of a larger group provides protection for each individual from predators.
• Improved foraging opportunities: Prey animals rely on each other to acquire food more efficiently.
• Increased levels of coordination and communication between individuals: This is essential for the functioning of the group and its survival.

Thus, having conspecifics in close proximity generally affects an individual's fitness positively in several aspects, such as predator avoidance, foraging, and reproduction.