Explanation
It is counterintuitive for cuttlefish to use startle displays on non-predatory small fish instead of using them against their actual predators. The expectation would be that such a defense mechanism would be directed towards entities that pose a threat, rather than those that do not.
A. This does not address why cuttlefish would use startle displays on non-predatory small fish instead of predators.
B. (Correct Response) This statement provides a plausible explanation for the observed behavior. If the presence of small fish is likely to attract predators, using startle displays to disperse these small fish could indirectly reduce the likelihood of encountering predators, which explains why cuttlefish use the displays on small fish.
C. This statement offers an explanation, but it doesn't account for why cuttlefish wouldn't also use the displays on their predators if it's about efficacy.
D. While this is a feature of cuttlefish, it doesn’t explain the selective use of startle displays.
E. The ability to move faster than predators does not explain the use of startle displays on non-predatory fish.
The paradox here is that a defense mechanism is being used against creatures that are not a direct threat. Option B resolves this paradox by suggesting that the behavior is a preventative strategy to avoid attracting actual threats.