Which of the following best describes a benefit of territoriality?

The benefit of territoriality primarily revolves around the protection of resources. When an animal establishes a territory, it asserts ownership over a specific area that typically contains vital resources such as food, shelter, and breeding sites. This exclusivity helps deter intruders and competitors from accessing these resources, ensuring that the resident individual has a more reliable supply for survival and reproduction.

In many species, a well-defended territory can lead to enhanced feeding opportunities and a higher chance of successfully raising offspring, as the presence of rivals is minimized. Thus, territoriality plays a crucial role in resource management, contributing to the overall fitness and success of the individual.

While increased genetic diversity, enhanced cooperation, and greater access to mates can also be important aspects of animal behavior, they do not directly encapsulate the fundamental advantage of territorial behavior as clearly as the protection of resources does.