A study of Eastern gray squirrels observed that individuals often bury their acorns in widely scattered locations rather than in a single cache, even though this increases the energy expenditure required for retrieval. This behavior appears counterintuitive, as it exposes the squirrel to predation for longer periods. Researchers hypothesize, however, that this "scatter-hoarding" is a defensive strategy designed to prevent a catastrophic loss of the entire food supply to fungal infection, which spreads rapidly in dense clusters of organic matter.
Which finding, if true, would most directly support the researchers’ hypothesis?
Squirrels tend to consume acorns with the thinnest shells immediately while storing those with thicker shells.
The fungal spores affecting acorns are significantly less likely to transfer between nuts that are buried at least one meter apart.
Other rodent species in the same habitat utilize a single central larder for food storage and defend it aggressively.
The soil composition in the squirrels' habitat varies, making some areas easier to dig in than others.
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The researchers hypothesize that the squirrels' "scatter-hoarding" is a strategy to prevent fungal infection from destroying the food supply. Choice B provides direct support for this by stating that the specific risk (fungal spores) is mitigated by the specific behavior (burying nuts far apart). If the fungus cannot spread between distant nuts, the strategy is effective.
Choice A is incorrect because the order in which acorns are eaten relates to their perishability or immediate nutritional need, not the spatial distribution strategy to prevent infection. Choice C is incorrect because the behavior of other species does not explain the specific evolutionary driver for the squirrels' behavior; it only establishes a contrast. Choice D is incorrect because soil composition offers a physical constraint explanation rather than supporting the researchers' specific hypothesis about disease prevention.