In: Biology
A species of butterfly found in Central America (Macrosoma heliconiaria) recently has been discovered to have ultrasound-detecting ears just in front of its forewings (a slightly different location than the ears found in Noctuid moths). Unlike other butterflies, this species is nocturnal.
A) Using the correct terminology, briefly explain why this discovery of ears in an unrelated species is considered to be evidence that the ears in these butterflies and in Noctuid moths are anti-predator adaptations.
B) Design a simple experiment to test this anti-predator adaptation hypothesis in these butterflies. Briefly explain your methods, providing your experimental condition and your control condition. What findings would support the hypothesis?