Question

Match the ecological concepts listed in Column I with their definitions listed in Column II.

• A. P-(ii), Q-(iv), R-(i), S-(iii)
• B. P-(iv), Q-(iii), R-(i), S-(ii)
• C. P-(iii), Q-(iv), R-(i), S-(ii)
• D. P-(i), Q-(iv), R-(iii), S-(ii)

Hint:

Dominance hierarchies allow for preferential access to resources, while altruism and kin selection involve helping others at a cost to oneself.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the concepts.
- Dominance hierarchies (P) refer to the social ranking within a group, where higher-ranking individuals have preferential access to food and mates. Hence, P matches with (iv).
- Territory (Q) involves defending an area to prevent intrusion by others, which often occurs through agonistic behavior. Thus, Q matches with (iii).
- Altruism (R) is the behavior in which an individual gives up its own reproductive potential to benefit another individual. This aligns with (i).
- Kin selection (S) refers to selection that acts on related individuals to increase their fitness, which supports the individual’s genetic contribution. Therefore, S matches with (ii).

Step 2: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct matching is: P-(iv), Q-(iii), R-(i), S-(ii). The correct answer is (B).