Fred and Joe, two unrelated, mature male gorillas, encounter one another. Fred is courting a female. Fred grunts as Joe comes near. As Joe continues to advance, Fred begins drumming (pounding his chest) and bares his teeth. Joe then rolls on the ground on his back, gets up, and quickly leaves. This behavioral pattern is repeated several times during the mating season. Which of the following is best illustrated by this example?
A) agonistic behavior
B) territorial behavior
C) learned behavior
D) fixed action pattern

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The behaviors exhibited by Fred and Joe are examples of agonistic behavior, which includes threats, displays, retreats, and sometimes fights that determine which animal gains access to resources such as mates or territory. In this scenario, Fred's actions (grunting, drumming, and baring teeth) are meant to intimidate Joe and assert dominance without engaging in a physical fight, while Joe's actions (rolling on his back and leaving) indicate submission and acceptance of Fred's dominance, particularly in the context of mating competition.

Fred and Joe, Two Unrelated, Mature Male Gorillas, Encounter One