The opossum is a medium-sized mammal. Certain opossums play dead while others show their teeth in certain situations. How does the behavior of playing dead help the opossum?
• It helps the opossum avoid predators.
• It helps the opossum locate predators.
• . It helps the opossum overcome the predator.
• . It helps the opossum stay alert about predators.
Playing dead helps the opossum avoid predators because many predators are not interested in eating prey that appears to be already dead or diseased. By playing dead, the opossum can trick the predator into thinking it is not a viable meal and hopefully deter it from attacking.
So what is the correct answer?
The correct answer is:
• It helps the opossum avoid predators.