Question

The following observations have been made about moose living in the northeastern forests of the United States.

Male moose grow very broad antlers each year and lose them after the mating season in autumn.

Large, heavy antlers can make escaping predators in a forest difficult if the trees grow closely together or if the underbrush is thick.

Female moose do not develop antlers.

Female moose raise their calves alone without the assistance of males.

What is the most likely inference that can be drawn from these observations?

Answer 1

Having antlers makes the males grow bigger so they can better compete for food in the fall.

Antlers make a male moose more likely to attract a mate and pass on the gene for antlers.

Male moose spend all their excess energy growing antlers and cannot help raise offspring.

Male moose without antlers are more attractive to females because they can escape predators.

Answer 2

You should use process of elimination to solve these problems. Do any of the options strike you as being particularly likely or unlikely and why so?

Answer 3

i think c wouldn't make sense

Answer 4

I agree. C does not make much sense. The info that male moose grow antlers, mate, then lose the antlers should suggest that antlers are in some way advantageous to successful mating...

Answer 5

that makes sense now. i was kinda confused at first so B would be the likely answer?

Answer 6

I agree - B is the most likely answer in my opinion.

Answer 7

thank you.

Answer 8

No prob. :)