JAMB 2019 Biology · Question 62

Animals are said to gregarious when

Options

A.they survive adverse conditions of cold weather
B.they transmit information from one individual to another
C.they are of the same species moving together in a group
D.they give an alarm to alert others to show the normal protective behaviour of the group when danger threatens

Answer: C. they are of the same species moving together in a group

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the meaning of the term "gregarious" when used to describe animals.

Step 2: Explain the concept "Gregarious" comes from the Latin grex, meaning "flock" or "herd". Gregarious animals live or move together in groups rather than alone. Examples are:

Wildebeest and zebra herds
Flocks of birds
Schools of fish
Locusts in swarms
Ants and bees (social insects)

Step 3: Evaluate each option

A. Surviving adverse cold conditions: This describes adaptation such as hibernation or migration, not gregariousness.
B. Transmitting information between individuals: This is communication, which is a different concept.
C. Same species moving together in a group: This matches the definition of gregarious behaviour exactly.
D. Giving an alarm to alert others: This is an alarm or warning response, which is one function of living in groups but not the definition.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C.

Step 5: Exam tip Link gregarious with group or gregory = many together. If you see "gregarious", think "grouping together". Also, don't be tempted by options like D. They describe benefits or behaviours that happen within groups, while the question asks for the definition.

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