9th and 7th graders:

Read this article and email to me the answer to one of the following questions for 5 points extra exam credit.

1. Altruism can be defined as: behavior by an animal that may be to its disadvantage but that benefits others of its kind, as a warning cry that reveals the location of the caller to a predator. Describe how some slime molds exhibit what may be interpreted as altruism.
2. Imagine you were in charge of planning a high speed train system that links New York, Chicago, Phoenix, Miami, and San Francisco with Kansas City. How could you use slime molds to help you find the most effective placement of tracks.

You must follow instructions and give a plausable answer that demonstrates you have read and understood the article in order to receive credit. Due by 10/7/11.