Why do researchers think that "sponging" behavior in bottlenose dolphins is a learned trait?
A) The behavior occurs in all individuals in the population.
B) The behavior occurs only in females.
C) The behavior is due to a sex-linked gene.
D) The behavior appears to be socially transmitted through the maternal line.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Researchers believe "sponging" is a learned behavior because it is observed to be socially transmitted through the maternal line, indicating that young dolphins learn it from their mothers rather than inheriting it genetically.

Why Do Researchers Think That "Sponging" Behavior in Bottlenose Dolphins