A biologist proposes that some species of cleaner fish remember individual client fish based on past interactions and adjust their behavior accordingly, rather than treating all clients the same.
Which experimental finding, if true, would most strongly support the biologist's proposal?
- A
Some cleaner fish work in pairs.
- B
Cleaner fish remove parasites from larger fish.
- C
Cleaner fish are common on tropical reefs.
- Dcheck_circle
Cleaner fish that had previously cheated a client behaved more cooperatively when that same client returned, while showing no such adjustment toward unfamiliar clients.
Explanation
A demonstrates client-specific behavioral adjustment based on prior interactions, supporting the proposal. B, C, and D are general background.