Rachel, a biology student on a field study in the Amazon, observed the behavior of a small mammal that was frequently preyed upon by birds, snakes, and monkeys. It built burrows at the base of trees. Based on the work of Allison and Cicchetti, what predictions can Rachel make about her mammal's sleeping habits?
A) It is unlikely to sleep more than a few hours per day and will do so out in the open.
B) It is likely to sleep many hours per day in its burrow.
C) It is likely to sleep many hours per day out in the open.
D) It is unlikely to sleep more than a few hours per day and will do so in its burrow.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Based on the work of Allison and Cicchetti, animals that are preyed upon frequently tend to sleep for longer durations to conserve energy and reduce their risk of predation. The mammal's choice of building burrows at the base of trees suggests that it is using this as a strategy to avoid predators, and it is likely to sleep many hours per day in its burrow.

Rachel, a Biology Student on a Field Study in the Amazon