Question

Gray Jays:

Select one:
a. cache (store) thousands of edible items through the summer and fall
b. have enlarged salivary glands that are used to wrap food in a saliva blanket
c. have an excellent spatial memory for finding stored food
d. nest early early (often by early March), long before most other birds start nesting
e. all of the above

Answer 1

The correct response is 'e. all of the above' because Gray Jays cache food, have specialized salivary glands, possess excellent spatial memory for recovering their food caches, and they nest early in the season.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Gray Jay displays a variety of interesting behaviors, especially in relation to its food storage and nesting habits. Answering the student's question, the correct choice is e. all of the above, because Gray Jays:

• Cache (store) thousands of edible items through the summer and fall, taking advantage of the abundance of food to prepare for scarcity in winter.
• Have enlarged salivary glands that are used to wrap food in a saliva blanket, similar to the way pigeons produce 'pigeon's milk'.
• Have an excellent spatial memory for finding stored food, enabling them to locate their numerous caches even after long periods.
• They nest early, often by early March, which is much earlier than most other birds begin nesting, thereby taking advantage of the early spring resources.