Practical 1 - Arms Race

Question 1

What proportion of species does arms race occur?

Answer 1

Small

Question 2

What is the main reason for arms race?

Answer 2

Reproduction/ mating

Question 3

What are the three evolutionary conditions of an arms race

Answer 3

1. Resource that is defendable
2. Competition with a rival
3. Fights that take place as a one-on-one duel

Question 4

What do extreme weapons increase?

Answer 4

The ability to reproduce

Question 5

What is the purpose of weapons when fighting for mating purposes

Answer 5

A duel not for pain

Question 6

Example of how species with the biggest weapons are the most peaceful

Answer 6

• Elk males strut in lines to assess competition
• All encounters end without a single blow or cut
• Rival males are backing off without actual battle
• The most powerful weapons are the most effective deterrents