Explanation
Correct answer: C.
Choice C is the best answer. Because “song preference plays a role in songbird mate selection,” and because F. hypoleuca nestlings display a preference for local dialects, we can infer that they will be more likely to choose mates from local populations.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect. We don’t have any information suggesting that this preference disappears, so there’s no basis for this inference.
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect. Although the passage discusses the number of begging calls made in response to various F. hypoleuca dialects, no mention is made about the amount of food received based on dialect preference. Therefore, there’s no basis for this inference.
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect. There’s no mention in the passage of methods of other types of local songbirds, so there’s no basis for this inference.