TLS Online TPP Program

#Question id: 12961


Refer to the following experiment, which is designed to test the co evolutionary relationships among an unpalatable butterfly (the  monarch),  a  palatable  butterfly  (the  viceroy),  and  a  butterfly  predator  (the  jay).  Monarch butterflies are reared on three diets: milkweed (their natural food), cabbage, and cabbage treated with an extract from milkweed leaves. Viceroy butterflies, mimics of monarchs, also are reared on three diets: willows (their natural food), cabbage, and cabbage treated with an extract from milkweed leaves. In trial 1 of the first experiment, adult butterflies reared on a particular diet are presented one at a  time  at  1-hour  intervals  to  jays  and  the  jays  are  allowed  to  feed.  Each jay is  fed  until  it refuses to eat the butterfly presented, but no more than 12 butterflies are presented to a jay during a particular test. Five birds are used for each test; therefore, up to 60 butterflies can be consumed for each diet test. The observer records the actual number of butterflies  eaten. In trial 2, the experiment is repeated 2 weeks later. In the second experiment, the butterflies are reared on the same diets as in experiment 1. However, when they are offered to jays, some jays receive a monarch  reared  on  milkweed  before  being  offered  the  butterflies  reared  on  the  experimental  diets;  the  other  group  of jays is  first given a viceroy reared on willow before being  offered the butterflies reared on the experimental diets. The initial butterfly offered is included in the total number eaten, but no more than 12 butterflies are presented to each jay.

The data in the table indicate which of the following?

#Unit 10. Ecological Principles
  1. The diet of viceroy butterflies protects them from being eaten by jays.
  2. Cabbage contains defensive compounds.
  3. Monarch butterflies synthesize a compound that protects them from being eaten by jays.
  4. Monarch  butterflies obtain  a  compound from  their  natural  diet  that  protects  them  from  being  eaten  by jays.