Which of the following would be an ultimate explanation?

Question

A. The bird sings in order to attract mates.

B. The bird sings when he sees a predator.

C. The bird sings to protect his territory.

D. (a) and (c) above.

E. (b) and (c) above.

Answer 1

The answer is A, the bird sings in order to attract mates. An "ultimate cause" of behavior references reproductive success. The bird attracts a mate through his song, which allows him to pass on his genes.

The other answers are incorrect because, while they might help him stay alive, they are not directly helping him find another mate.