Reproductive Success in Nature

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Multiple Choice

1. Which behavior most directly increases an animal's chance of mating successfully?

Building a nest

Seasonal migration

Courtship displays (dances, songs)

Molting feathers

2. Which plant trait most directly increases pollination by insects?

Bright, scented petals

Deep root systems

Thick bark

High seed production without petals

3. Check all behaviors that often increase offspring survival and therefore reproductive success:

Parental care (feeding or protecting young)

Courtship displays to attract mates

Random wandering without territory

Timing breeding to when food is plentiful

4. Scientists observed: male frogs with brighter throat patches secured mates 60% of the time, dull-throated males 20% of the time. Which factor is most likely being favored by sexual selection?

Brighter throat patches

Larger body size

Earlier migration

Longer lifespan

✏️ Part 2: Short Answers & Activity

Use empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to explain phenomena, such as how animal behaviors and plant structures affect reproductive success (S.8.1).

5. Explain how the shape of a flower and the behavior of a specific pollinator (bee, hummingbird, or moth) can work together to increase the plant's reproductive success.

6. A study found: camouflaged beetles had a 75% chance of surviving to reproduce, bright-colored beetles had a 25% chance. Using this empirical evidence, which coloration is favored by natural selection? Explain your reasoning briefly.

7. Draw and label one example of an animal behavior that increases offspring survival (for example: nest building, brood pouch, or cooperative care). Label the behavior and one direct benefit to the young.

8. Fill in the blank and give one real example:

An adaptation that increases an organism's chance to reproduce is called ____________. Example: _________________________