Which question would be categorized under proximate explanations?

Proximate explanations in animal behavior focus on the mechanisms that lead to the expression of a behavior. This includes understanding the physiological, neurological, and genetic factors that facilitate the behavior within an individual organism. The selected question specifically addresses the underlying mechanisms that drive a particular behavior, which is a core aspect of proximate analysis.

By investigating what mechanisms underlie the behavior, researchers can uncover details about the internal processes, such as hormonal influences or neural triggers, that contribute to how and why a behavior occurs at a specific moment. This approach provides valuable insights into the immediate causes of behavior, distinguishing it from ultimate explanations that often consider evolutionary or ecological contexts.