Photo AI
Elk, Alces alces, are members of the deer family - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 1 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 1
Elk, Alces alces, are members of the deer family. Elk mate in the autumn and their calves are born in the spring. (a) (i) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Elk, Alces alces, are members of the deer family - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 1 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
(ii) Suggest why a male elk may move away if challenged by another male with larger antlers.
Answer
A male elk may move away if challenged by another male with larger antlers due to the principle of natural selection. Larger antlers are often an indication of superior genetic fitness and strength. In such scenarios, the challenged male may avoid physical confrontation to prevent injury, which could impact his chances of reproduction. Additionally, moving away can be a strategy to conserve energy and to protect himself from potential harm in a competition where victory is improbable.