Final answer:
The correct answer is option b. House flies primarily prefer to breed in decaying animal excrement where their larvae, or maggots, can feed. Breeding patterns vary with temperature, as flies conserve energy in cold weather and breed in warm weather.
Step-by-step explanation:
House flies prefer to breed in decaying animal excrement and organic materials where humidity is high. Flies lay their eggs on decomposing organic matter because their larvae, which we commonly refer to as maggots, feed on the decaying flesh or excrement. This preference for decaying matter is also linked to forensic entomology, where the stages and types of maggots found on cadavers can help determine the time of death of the deceased.
The breeding habits of flies are influenced by climate conditions. In cold conditions, flies are more focused on survival and thus channel energy away from reproduction. In contrast, during warm conditions, they shift their energy towards reproduction. This behavior adjusts to their need to conserve energy in the cold and to exploit favorable conditions for breeding when it's warm.
Additionally, flies are greatly attracted to the smell of decay and not necessarily sight. They respond to polyamines like putrescine and cadaverine, which are present in decaying flesh and even used by some plants to attract flies for pollination purposes.