list three examples in which an animal can have a non-genetic advantage in an environment
1. Learned behaviors: Some animals may have a non-genetic advantage in their environment through learned behaviors. For example, a bird that has learned how to use tools to extract food from hard-to-reach places would have an advantage over other individuals of the same species that have not learned such skills. These behaviors are not passed down genetically, but rather taught or learned through experience and observation.
2. Symbiotic relationships: Animals may develop symbiotic relationships with other organisms to reap benefits without relying on genetic adaptations. For example, the Egyptian plover bird has a mutualistic relationship with Nile crocodiles. The bird enters the crocodile's mouth to eat parasites and food scraps, providing dental hygiene for the crocodile while it enjoys a meal. Both organisms benefit from this relationship, but neither has a genetic advantage.
3. Acquired physical traits: An animal could have a non-genetic advantage in its environment due to an acquired trait it developed in its lifetime. For example, a tortoise with a cracked and repaired shell may have better camouflage in its environment due to the irregular pattern created by the healed fracture. This advantage would not be passed down genetically, but still benefits the individual in its habitat.