Mating Structure Flashcards
What is Panmixia? Give an example of an organism that undergoes it.
Unrestricted mating: most marine fish
What is Polyandry? What is the role of males and females?
Females will have many male mate partners and are typically brightly coloured. Females compete for males and defend resources while males incubate eggs. Common in many shorebird species
What is Polygyny? Give an example of animals that this is common in
Polygyny is where males will have many female partners; reptiles, amphibians, songbirds, mammals
Monomorphic
Sexes look the same
Dimorphic
Sexes look different
Polygamy
Multiple mating partners
What are the two types of sexual reproduction and what do they mean?
Dioecious: two sexes, male and female organs on separate individuals (ex:humans)
Monoecious: 1 individual with male and female organs
What is a nuptial gift?
A gift/courtship that a male gives to a female, it can take on the form of a food item or small shiny objects
What is monogamy?
High fidelity to a single partner where both parents are usually required for raising the young. Common in swans, hawks, beavers, wolves, etc.
What is the general criteria for a female to choose a male?
-A nuptial gift
-Dominant male preference
-Handi-capped male hypothesis
-Parasite free hypothesis (proposed by Hamilton and Zuk)
-Symmetrical male hypothesis
-Display evaluation
Introspection
Occurs when required resources such as food, dosage or mates are in limited supply
When population exceeds the capacity, how do animals reduce birth rate
stress due to increased aggressive behaviour from more dominant animals triggers hyper activation of the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands which reduces secretion of sex hormones
