OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What happens to simple animals that can only exhibit reflexive behaviors?

1. They adapt quickly to new environments

2. They thrive regardless of environmental changes

3. They have limited survival chances

4. They become more social

The correct answer is: They have limited survival chances

Simple animals that rely solely on reflexive behaviors typically have limited adaptability to changing environments. Reflexive behaviors are automatic responses to stimuli and do not involve complex decision-making processes or learning from past experiences. This lack of adaptability means that such animals cannot effectively respond to new threats or changes in their surroundings, which can impact their survival. For instance, if a simple animal encounters a change in food availability or new predators, its reliance on reflexive rather than learned behavior would hinder its chances of finding food or avoiding danger. Consequently, their ability to thrive is compromised when faced with environmental challenges, leading to diminished survival opportunities compared to organisms that can adapt and learn from their experiences.