34) Unit 2 - Courtship

Question 1

what is sexual dismorphism and what is it a product of

Answer 1

any physical difference between males and females e.g. the mane of a lion

It is a product of sexual selection

Question 2

what is usually the sexual dismorphism between males and females

Answer 2

Males: more conspicuous (clearly visible) e.g. bigger, more colorful

Females: more inconspicuous (less visible) to protect their young

Question 3

sexual dismorphism can be reversed in some species. give an example

Answer 3

fish or insect species where male have to travel long distances. so smaller sizes are advantageous for stealth and speed

Question 4

describe male to male rivalry

Answer 4

Males often use greater weaponry and strength to out compete one another for mates.

Alternatively smaller and less threatening males can act as sneakers where they access females using satellite behavior.

Question 5

what is lekking and how does it work

Answer 5

• Lekking is when males of a species gather in a display area called a lek
• Females asses the males fitness and choose on honest signals of fitness such as good genes and low parasite burden

Question 6

what causes successful courtship behavious in birds and fish

Answer 6

species specific singals, that bring about a fixed action pattern response

Question 7

describe imprinting and what impact will it have later on

Answer 7

imprinting is an irreversible process in young birds where they fixate on a larger living thing for protection and nurturing.

It occurs at a CRITICAL TIME PERIOD

it may affect the mate choice later in life