High School

When a common species is used to foster the offspring of a rare species, it is referred to as:

a) embryo transfer
b) cross-fostering
c) artificial insemination
d) artificial incubation

Answer :

Final answer:

The conservation strategy where a common species is used to raise the offspring of a rare species is called cross-fostering, hence correct option is B. Cross fostering.

Explanation:

When a common species is used to foster the offspring of a rare species, the conservation strategy employed is referred to as cross-fostering. This method involves using a closely-related common species to help raise the young of a rare or endangered species.

The strategy has been especially useful in carnivore conservation, such as with orphaned African wild dog pups, and in bird conservation, where common species are used to incubate eggs abandoned by threatened species.

However, the use of cross-fostering introduces risks such as behavioral changes and hybridization if the fostered young associate with the wrong species. Thus, cross-fostering requires a high level of care and research to be successful and to avoid negative consequences.