Question

Q1.25. The giving-up density (GUD) of gray squirrels feeding on college campuses tends to be higher than that of squirrels feeding in suburban back yards. Which of the following hypotheses is consistent with this result? • Squirrels perceive predation risk to be higher in suburban back yards. Squirrels perceive predation risk to be higher on college campuses. Squirrels are better fed in suburban back yards, and thus feed less intensively • Squirrels benefit less by foraging in suburban back yards than on college campuses. an other hanteria ranidly consumina

Answer 1

Squirrels are better fed in suburban backyards and thus feed less intensively.

The GIVING UP DENSITY (GUD) is the density of food remaining in the patch, which, in fact, is often measurable. If one knows the GUD then one can extrapolate the yield rate of the area.

The squirrels feeding on college campuses tend to be higher than that of squirrels feeding in suburban back yards because in the suburban environment, squirrels do not have to invest as much energy to foraging due to the availability of birdseed from feeders and other food items left on the ground.