The following text discusses animal behavior.
Cleaner fish, found on coral reefs, eat parasites from larger "client" fish, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. Researchers have found that cleaner fish recognize individual clients and treat them differently based on that recognition. They give better service to clients they interact with regularly and to "bystander" fish watching the interaction, suggesting awareness of reputation effects. This strategic behavior indicates cognitive sophistication previously underestimated in small reef fish.
What does the research on cleaner fish suggest?
Fish cannot recognize individual partners
Cleaner fish show unexpectedly sophisticated social cognition
All reef fish provide cleaning services
Reputation plays no role in animal behavior
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. The text describes individual recognition, differential treatment, and reputation awareness, concluding this "indicates cognitive sophistication previously underestimated."
- Evidence: Recognition, strategic behavior, reputation awareness.
- Reasoning: These behaviors require sophisticated cognition.
- Conclusion: Small fish have surprising cognitive abilities.
Choice A is incorrect because they "recognize individual clients." Choice C is incorrect because only cleaner fish provide this service. Choice D is incorrect because reputation effects are demonstrated.