The social bacteria M xanthus coordinate group attacks on ot

The social bacteria M. xanthus coordinate group attacks on other bacteria, rapidly consuming entire colonies of prey. Researchers may be interested in many different aspects of this behavior. Recall Tinbergen\'s classification of questions about behavior (click here to go back to page 2 and review). Which of the following hypotheses suggests the potential ADAPTIVE VALUE of such a coordinated attack?

1.M. xanthus use chemical signals that are exchanged between neighbors to coordinate their attacks.

2. Coordinated attacks are unique among bacteria, having evolved in only M. xanthus.

3. M. xanthus that engage in coordinated attacks feed more efficiently and reproduce faster than those that don\'t.

4. M. xanthus only engage in coordinated attacks if they have reached a certain, more mature, developmental stage.

Solution

Answer : 3

M. xanthus that engage in coordinated attacks feed more efficiently and reproduce faster than those that don\'t.