Biology

Clownfish live in a strict hierarchy. Who is on top?

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Correct answer

The female

Explanation

In the cartoon 'Finding Nemo' they forgot to tell us an interesting fact about clownfish: they can change sex! Clownfish live in groups made up by one reproducing male and one reproducing female, as well as some non-reproducing males. There is a strict dominance hierarchy, based on size. The largest female is found at the top, then the reproducing male, then the smaller non-reproducing males. If the female dies, the reproducing male will change sex and become female. The largest non-reproducing male is then promoted to be reproducing.

Statistics

51% correct 43 correct · 42 incorrect

Question added 2011-11-05