Mass strandings of whales occur on beaches near military exercises where sonar is used, raising concerns about the effects of human-generated underwater sounds on animal behavior. Scientists are collecting behavioral data on several species of whales to find out how sonar affects them. Predict why the whale foraged at a depth of 100–170 m. a. The whale learned to forage at this depth from its mother. b. The whale had an innate instinct to feed at this depth. c. The whale's food was most plentiful at this depth. d. The whale could not dive any deeper than this depth.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key information in the question: The question is about why a whale foraged at a specific depth range of 100–170 m.
2. Consider the options provided: a) learned behavior from its mother, b) innate instinct, c) food availability, d) physical limitation.
3. Analyze each option: a) Learning from its mother would imply observational learning, which is possible but not specified by any data. b) Innate instinct could drive the depth choice, but again, no specific data supports this. c) Food availability is a strong motivator for animal behavior, especially in foraging. d) The inability to dive deeper is a physical limitation, but there is no information suggesting this limitation.
4. Evaluate the most likely reason based on typical animal behavior and ecological principles: Animals, including whales, often choose foraging depths based on where their prey is most abundant. Without specific data contradicting this or supporting other options, the most logical choice is that the whale foraged at this depth because its food was most plentiful there.
5. Choose the best answer: c. The whale's food was most plentiful at this depth.

Key Concepts

Foraging Behavior

Foraging behavior refers to the strategies and actions animals use to locate and acquire food. In marine mammals like whales, this behavior can be influenced by various factors, including the availability of prey, environmental conditions, and learned experiences from parents. Understanding these behaviors is crucial for predicting where and how whales will search for food in their habitats.

Innate Instincts

Innate instincts are behaviors that are genetically hardwired and do not require learning or experience to manifest. In the context of whales, these instincts can dictate certain feeding patterns or depths at which they forage. Recognizing the role of innate instincts helps in understanding the natural behaviors of whales and their adaptations to their environments.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors, such as water depth and the distribution of prey, significantly influence the foraging behavior of marine animals. For whales, the depth at which they forage can be determined by the abundance of food sources, which often varies with depth due to factors like light penetration and temperature gradients. Analyzing these factors is essential for understanding the ecological dynamics that affect whale feeding habits.