Professor: Today we're going to discuss the concept of 'behavioral plasticity' in animals, specifically how some species adapt their behaviors in response to environmental changes. Take the example of the urban coyote. Historically, coyotes were nocturnal hunters in rural areas, avoiding human contact. However, as cities expanded, some coyote populations began to shift their activity patterns. In urban settings, they became more active during twilight hours—dawn and dusk—when human activity is lower, and they also altered their diet to include more human-provided food sources, like garbage and small pets. This flexibility is not genetic but learned, often passed from mothers to pups. Interestingly, not all coyotes exhibit this plasticity; it depends on the level of urbanization and individual learning opportunities. So, behavioral plasticity allows species to exploit new niches, but it also raises questions about wildlife management and human-wildlife conflict. Now, what might be a key factor enabling this adaptation?
❓ 题目 What does the professor identify as a key characteristic of behavioral plasticity in urban coyotes?
A. A. It is primarily driven by genetic mutations.
B. B. It involves changes in activity patterns and diet that are learned.
C. C. It occurs only in coyotes that have never interacted with humans.
D. D. It leads to a complete loss of natural hunting instincts.
✅ 正确答案
B. It involves changes in activity patterns and diet that are learned.
