Question

Identify the most appropriate summary for the paragraph. 
North American walnut sphinx moth caterpillars (Amorpha juglandis) look like easy meals for birds, but they have a trick up their sleeves—they produce whistles that sound like bird alarm calls, scaring potential predators away. At first, scientists suspected birds were simply startled by the loud noise. But a new study suggests a more sophisticated mechanism: the caterpillar's whistle appears to mimic a bird alarm call, sending avian predators scrambling for cover. When pecked by a bird, the caterpillars whistle by compressing their bodies like an accordion and forcing air out through specialized holes in their sides. The whistles are impressively loud - they have been measured at over 80 dB from 5 cm away from the caterpillar - considering they are made by a two-inch long insect.

• A. North American walnut sphinx moth caterpillars will whistle periodically to ward off predator birds - they have a specialized vocal tract that helps them whistle.
• B. North American walnut sphinx moth caterpillars can whistle very1 loudly; the loudness of their whistles is shocking as they are very small insects.
• C. North American walnut sphinx moth caterpillars, in a case of acoustic deception, produce whistles that mimic bird alarm calls to defend themselves.
• D. North American walnut sphinx moth caterpillars, in a case of deception and camouflage, produce whistles that mimic bird alarm calls to defend themselves.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The paragraph describes how North American walnut sphinx moth caterpillars protect themselves from birds by mimicking bird alarm calls with their whistles. Initially, it was assumed that birds were startled by the sheer volume of these whistles, but further research indicates that the caterpillars replicate the specific sound of bird alarms, causing birds to quickly seek safety. This defense mechanism is executed by the caterpillars compressing their bodies, which forces air through specialized holes to create a sound over 80 dB. The whistles effectively deceive birds, despite the caterpillars' small size. 

Now, let's evaluate the options:

1. North American walnut sphinx moth caterpillars will whistle periodically to ward off predator birds - they have a specialized vocal tract that helps them whistle.
2. North American walnut sphinx moth caterpillars can whistle very loudly; the loudness of their whistles is shocking as they are very small insects.
3. North American walnut sphinx moth caterpillars, in a case of acoustic deception, produce whistles that mimic bird alarm calls to defend themselves.
4. North American walnut sphinx moth caterpillars, in a case of deception and camouflage, produce whistles that mimic bird alarm calls to defend themselves.

Comparing these options with the paragraph:

1. Incorrect: While it mentions periodic whistling and a specialized vocal tract, it doesn't capture the essence of acoustic deception through mimicking alarm calls.
2. Incorrect: This focuses solely on the loudness of the whistle rather than the mimicry aspect.
3. Correct: Accurately captures the gist of the paragraph, focusing on mimicking alarm calls as a defense mechanism.
4. Incorrect: Incorrectly includes "camouflage" which is not discussed in the paragraph.

The most appropriate summary is: North American walnut sphinx moth caterpillars, in a case of acoustic deception, produce whistles that mimic bird alarm calls to defend themselves.