BOHA - 7 Flashcards
who are the 2 scientists behind investigating individual selection?
Geoff Parker and Bob Trivers
what is individual selection?
the adaptive significance of behaviour - links to tinbergens question about function
what is the definition of post copulatory sexual selection (sperm competition)?
competition between the ejaculates of two or more males for the ova of a single female
what was Darwins view on sexual selection?
- Darwin assumed monogamy and assumed it was about mate acquisition only
describe sexual selection in yellow dung flies
females mate with more than one male and the males guard the female once theyve mated - sexual selection continues after mating
what is extra pair copulation?
it is performed by a male that is paired with one female, with a female of another pair
what is an example of a bird which is socially monogamous but individually promiscuous?
guillemots
2 ways you can assign paternity in zebra finches?
1) with use of genetic plumage markers - fawn genotype is a sex linked recessive
2) multi locus DNA fingerprinting
what are the 3 direct benefits of extra pair copulation in females?
1) in exchange for food resources/ paternal care
2) insurance against infertile males
3) avoidance of infanticide - possibility all males in the group are parent so wont try to kill the offspring
what are 2 indirect benefits of extra pair copulation in females?
1) better genes
2) more diverse genes
how is it though female ducks avoid unwanted extra pair copulation?
the female reproductive anatomy evolved to avoid EPC - females can contract muscles prevent males penis from entering - copulation is unsuccessful
is extra pair copulation advantageous to both males and females?
it is for males but it is unresolved if it is for females
when does mate guarding take place?
when females are most fertile
