In the context of Tinbergen's "four levels of analysis," which of the following would be considered a question about proximate cause?
A) How does a trait allow an animal to live longer?
B) Is this a trait that is shared by other species that are closely related?
C) Does a trait allow a species to have more offspring?
D) At what age does a trait emerge, and how does it develop?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tinbergen's four levels of analysis include questions of proximate cause, which are about the immediate, mechanistic explanations for behavior, such as how it develops and what triggers it. Option D, asking about the age at which a trait emerges and its development, directly addresses these proximate concerns.

In the Context of Tinbergen's "Four Levels of Analysis," Which