Question

Which of these statements concerning scavenging is NOT TRUE:

Select one:
a. most scavengers are obligate scavengers
b. Wolves and foxes will scavenge if food is hard to find, especially in winter
c. a dead animal such as a Porcupine provides food for many different types of scavengers
d. Some Carrion Beetles (Burying Beetles) bury dead mice and other small rodents before laying their eggs on them
e. Turkey Vulture adaptations for scavenging include a featherless head

Answer 1

The untrue statement about scavenging is that most scavengers are obligate scavengers. In fact, animals like wolves and foxes are facultative scavengers, meaning they hunt or scavenge based on food availability.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement concerning scavenging that is NOT TRUE is: most scavengers are obligate scavengers. This is because the majority of scavengers, such as wolves and foxes, can switch between scavenging and hunting, depending on the availability of food. These animals are considered facultative scavengers, meaning they are not solely dependent on scavenging and can consume a variety of food sources. On the other hand, obligate scavengers, like vultures, rely almost entirely on carrion.

For example, wolves and foxes will hunt live prey but will also scavenge when food is scarce, especially during winter times. Similarly, some carrion beetles, known as burying beetles, are famous for burying small carcasses before laying their eggs on them, ensuring that their larvae have a fresh food supply. Moreover, the turkey vulture is well-adapted for scavenging with adaptations such as a featherless head, which helps in hygiene and thermoregulation while feeding on carrion.