Campbell Biology (10th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321775651
ISBN 13: 978-0-32177-565-8

Chapter 51 - Test Your Understanding - Level 3 - Synthesis/Evaluation - Page 1155: 9

Answer

This could be an altruistic behavior by reproductively unsuccessful jays to guarantee their genetic lineage by protecting the offspring of family members.

Work Step by Step

You could test, in a variety of ways (including long term observation or genetic testing) whether these helper jays are indeed family members of the parents they assist.
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