Males of different species of field crickets have specific songs. Females typically only respond to males exhibiting their species-specific calls, however hybrids can form. Hybrid females will choose hybrid males that sing a hybrid song that has components of the songs from both parental species. Females of either parent species will not choose males that sing a hybrid song. Which of the following statements is the MOST likely reason for differential responses to calls in non-hybrid and hybrid females?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that females only respond to males exhibiting their species-specific calls suggests that there is a genetic basis for the songs. The differential response of non-hybrid and hybrid females suggests that there are specialized sensory receptors involved in recognition of conspecific calls. This is supported by the observation that hybrid females will choose hybrid males that sing a hybrid song that has components of both parental species' calls.

Males of Different Species of Field Crickets Have Specific Songs