Your heart may race when you are confronted by a lion but not when you are approached by a kitten. This best illustrates the adaptive value of

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Discrimination is the ability to distinguish between stimuli and respond differently to them, based on their different characteristics. In this case, the ability to differentiate between a lion, which poses a threat, and a kitten, which does not, is adaptive because it helps ensure survival. The racing heart serves as a physiological response to prepare for a potential threat from the lion, which is not necessary when approached by a harmless kitten.

Your Heart May Race When You Are Confronted by a Lion