1. Each of the readings in this section provided evidence for the author's conclusions. Some of the evidence was gathered according to the scientific process and some was not, even within the same study For each of the three readings dealing with human mating preferences, blackbirds, and ground squirrels, describe the evidence and explain why you think it was gathered according to the scientific process or not. In the reading on blackbirds, use only the evidence dealing with agressiveness in males. In the reading on ground squirrels, use only the evidence on the ontogenetic-switch hypothesis.

2. One would expect female redwing blackbirds "to choose mates in a way that maximizes their own fitness". What are the characteristics of a male's territory that would be likely to affect a female's fitness?

3. In examining the incest hypothesis in ground squirrels, the authors could not find any evidence of breeding between close relatives. How did the ground squirrels avoid breeding with relatives? What is thought to be the evolutionary advantage of such avoidance?

4. In the outline on this topic (Sexual Dimorphism), the first hypothesis was not found in the reading but was written by the instructor. As a possible explanation of how humans pair up, what relationship does it bear to the other two hypotheses there? Why is it not written, "Humans do not pair up?"

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