A scientist notes that male rabbits that successfully mated with a particular female have bushier tails than those that were unsuccessful in mating with her. The researcher then alters the size of the tail in the successful males, making it smaller, and gives the unsuccessful males a larger tail. What effect is this likely to have on a receptive female?

A) The female is likely to choose a male that was the originally successful male because she recognizes him from previous encounters.
B) The female is likely to avoid both the altered males because they are now artificial.
C) The female is likely to mate with the male with the largest tail.
D) There will be no change because female rabbits are not selective in mating.

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EMMANUEL SUCCESS OYINLOLA · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : C, Explanation :  Female rabbits are known to prefer males with larger tails as they are an indication of good genetics and health. Therefore, the female is likely to mate with the male with the largest tail, regardless of whether or not he was previously successful in mating with her. Altering the size of the male's tail is likely to have an effect on his success in mating, but the female's response is still likely to be based on the size of the tail.

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