Mating and Reproduction

Question 1

Male and Female differences (mammals vs birds)

Answer 1

mammals :
- female internal gestation and lectation
- bigger gamete in female
- asymmetry in initial energetic investment

bird
- less difference between gamete size
- no internal gestation and lactation
- similar energetic investment

Question 2

Mate guarding

Answer 2

• due to paternity uncertainty
• female always knows that the baby is hers, but male does not
• mate guarding increases probability that the offspring is his and increase his fitness

Question 3

Male and Female difference in vulnerabilities when making mating decisions

Answer 3

female : have greater investment, cannot suddenly back out afterwards

male : cannot be sure that the offspring is his

Question 4

Sexual dimorphism

Answer 4

• one sex looks different from the other
• means that there is some selection going on (sex with greater investment choosing their mate)
• no sexual dimorphism : no selection for physical or behavioral characteristics