Question

Arnold's experiments on the feeding preferences of garter snakes demonstrated that food choice is largely governed by a snake's: a. early experiences. b. genetics. c. size and color. d. diet while it was developing inside its mother. e. trial-and-error learning.

Short answer

(b) Genetics is the correct answer as Arnold's experiments showed that garter snakes' food choices are largely determined by genetics.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Given Options

Firstly, consider each option separately: \n(a) Early experiences: Refers to the events or instances in a snake's life immediately after it is born. \n(b) Genetics: Refers to inherited traits from its parents. \n(c) Size and color: Refers to physical features which might influence the food choice. \n(d) Diet while it was developing inside its mother: Refers to prenatal nutrition that could have an impact on postnatal food preferences. \n(e) Trial-and-error learning: Refers to a snake deciding what to eat based on its individual testing and experiences.

Recalling Arnold's Experiments on Garter Snakes

Remember that Arnold's experiments on garter snakes showed that their food choice is primarily determined by genetic factors. It means Garter snakes inherit their food preferences through their genetic lineage.

Choosing the Correct Option

Now, comparing the options with understanding from the experimentation, it can be concluded that the answer that best matches is (b) Genetics. This is because Arnold's experiments showed that food choice in garter snakes is driven more by what is inherited (genetics) rather than learned or affected by size, color or prenatal diet.

Key concepts

Inherited Traits

Inherited traits are characteristics passed down from parents to their offspring. This transmission of traits happens through genes, which are segments of DNA. These genes carry the information necessary to build and maintain an organism, influencing everything from physical features to behavioral tendencies. By studying inheritance, scientists can predict how certain characteristics will appear in future generations.
One of the most critical insights into inherited traits is how they influence behavior. When a trait is inherited, it means it is not learned; rather, it's encoded in the organism's genetic material. For example, certain animals may inherit instinctual behaviors that enhance their survival, like a bird knowing how to build a nest or a sea turtle finding its way to the ocean immediately after hatching.
In the context of garter snakes, their feeding preferences are linked to such inherited traits. This means, even without prior exposure or learning, these snakes have an inherent tendency to prefer certain types of prey over others, purely based on their genetic makeup.

Garter Snake Feeding Preferences

Garter snakes, like many other species, exhibit specific food preferences. These preferences are not random but are influenced by their genetic traits. This means that from the moment they are born, garter snakes are predisposed to favor some types of food. Understanding these innate preferences can provide valuable insights into their behavior and ecological roles.
Research into these feeding preferences reveals that garter snakes often show a preference for slugs, leeches, and sometimes even small frogs and fish, depending on their genetic disposition. These species have evolved to have preferences based on what would enhance their survival and reproductive success.
It's important to note that while genetics play a significant role, environmental conditions and availability of food in their habitat can also influence what garter snakes eat. However, the foundation of their preference is set genetically, which means they are more likely to consistently choose prey types that their genes favor, demonstrating a fascinating intersection between genetics and behavior.

Arnold's Experiments on Snakes

David Arnold conducted influential experiments on garter snakes to understand the role of genetics in animal behavior, specifically regarding their feeding preferences. Arnold's work provided strong evidence that these preferences were predominantly influenced by genetic factors, rather than learned behavior or environmental influences.
In his experiments, Arnold observed that snakes from different genetic backgrounds showed different food preferences, even when they were raised in identical environments. This strongly suggested that their choices were not influenced by their surroundings or early experiences but were indeed inherited.
These findings were significant because they showcased that despite a common assumption that behavior can be heavily shaped by environmental factors or early exposure, genetics holds substantial power. This has broader implications not only for understanding garter snakes but also for studying inherited traits in other species, contributing to the field of behavioral genetics.