[Barbara713]

In a contest over territory, two male deer confront each other with antlers lowered and engaged in butting heads until one of the two gets tired and wanders off into the forest. This sort of behavior can most accurately be thought of as
I think it's D
A- noncompetitive
B-predatory
C- cooperative
D-selfish cooperation

Is it correct?? :confused:

[Thomas1970]

Hi Barbara,
I'm not positive, but D is the only one that really makes any sense to me. They are vying or sparring for territory or mating rights, but in the end, there is an established code of conduct. The loser ends up moving on. So, I would definitely agree with D.

[Thomas1970]

Here is a link where someone asked your very same question:

http://experts.about.com/q/Biology-664/Biology-90.htm

I'm not sure their rationalization for B though. Deer are considered prey animals, not predators. And I should think it would be hard to classify this as a predatory situation when the loser is allowed to retreat at will.

Also, given that they did not list A, I take it we can definitively rule that one out. :)

[Barbara713]

Thank you soooo much for your help... English is my second language so I have difficulty understanding everything

[Thomas1970]

No problem. You're welcome. Take care. :)