How does the evolutionary perspective explain the observation that many wild animals overeat when food is available?
A) Weaker but rapidly multiplying species tend to overeat, which makes them less agile but also less vulnerable to larger predators, who reproduce more slowly.
B) Overeating helps build energy reserves for times when food may be scarce or unavailable.
C) Overeating promotes an insulating layer of fat that traps body heat and allows the species to survive in a wider range of cold climates.
D) Species that engage in overeating have evolved so that they have high basal metabolic rates and do not hibernate, qualities that utilize the excess calories and promote survival.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Overeating helps build energy reserves for times when food may be scarce or unavailable. This behavior is beneficial for survival and reproductive success in the wild, as it increases the chances of surviving and reproducing in times of food scarcity.

How Does the Evolutionary Perspective Explain the Observation That Many