60. A predatory fish blows bubbles just before it approaches and stuns its prey. A
student postulated that blowing bubbles is a socially learned behavior and is a
not heritable trait. To test this hypothesis, she raised the offsprings of the
wildtype fishes either in “treatment 1”: the fishes were raised in a tank with the
parent population or “treatment 2”: they were raised in a tank in isolation without
any conspecifics. If blowing bubbles is not a socially learnt behavior, we would
expect:
a) None of the fishes in treatment 1 and 2 will blow bubbles
b) Individuals in both treatment 1 and 2 will blow bubbles
c) 75% fishes in treatment 1 will blow bubbles but none in treatment 2
d) 75% fishes in treatment 2 will blow bubbles but none in treatment 1
Predatory fish blowing bubbles to stun prey represents an innate hunting behavior, not socially learned, as confirmed by experiments distinguishing genetic inheritance from environmental observation. The student’s hypothesis posits social learning from parents, tested by raising offspring in treatment 1 (with parents) versus treatment 2 (isolation). If the behavior proves non-socially learned—thus heritable—both groups display it equally due to genetic transmission.
Hypothesis Testing Logic
The experiment isolates social influence by comparing exposure (treatment 1) to absence (treatment 2). Heritable traits persist in isolation, as seen in stickleback schooling, which develops instinctively without conspecifics. Social learning requires observation, so non-social outcomes reject the hypothesis.
Option Analysis
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a) None in both treatments: Predicts complete absence, implying no genetic basis despite wildtype parents exhibiting the trait; contradicts heritability.
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b) Individuals in both treatments: Matches non-social learning; isolated fish inherit and express genetically, as in innate fish behaviors unaffected by isolation.
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c) 75% in treatment 1, none in 2: Assumes Mendelian segregation (3:1) plus learning; ignores isolation test and treats behavior as recessive, not social.
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d) 75% in treatment 2, none in 1: Reverses logic illogically; isolation cannot exceed parental exposure for learning.
Correct answer: b). This CSIR NET-style question evaluates experimental design in behavioral ecology, emphasizing controls for nature versus nurture in predator-prey adaptations like bubble stunning.
