Reproductive and behaviours and mating systems in animals Flashcards
What are mating systems based around
Mating systems are based on how many mates an individual has during one breeding season
Types of mating systems
Polygamy - Polygyny, Polyandry
Monogamy
Monogamy
The mating of a pair of animals to the exclusion of all others (couple)
Polygamy
Individuals of one sex have more than one mate (my three wives/husbands)
Polygyny
One male mate exclusively with a group of females
f-boy
Polyandry
One female mates with a number of males in the same breeding season . (whore)
What is another mating system
mate-selection courtship rituals
What can be the result of successful courtship behaviour in birds and fish
Result of species-specific sign stimuli and fixed action pattern responses
What does sexual selection select for?
Characteristics that have little survival benefit for the individual, but increase their chances of mating
what do animals exhibit as a result of sexual selection
They exhibit sexual dimorphism
What is sexual dimorphism
The difference in appearance between males and females of the same species. This is caused by the inheritance of one sexual pattern in the genetic material.
Dimorphism between males and females
Females are generally inconspicuous and males usually have more conspicuous markings, structures and behaviours.
What is reversed sexual dimorphism
Females are larger, more conspicuous than males
What is female choice
Involves females assessing honest signals of the fitness of males
What can honest signals indicate
They indicate favourable alleles that increase the chances of survival of offspring (fitness) or a low parasite burden suggesting a healthy individual
What does lekking involve
Males gather to display at a lek, where female choice occurs
Some bird species exhibit lekking behaviour
Dominant males occupy the centre of the lek, with subordinates and juveniles at the fringes as ‘satellite’ males. During the display, female choice occurs.
Dominance in male to male rivalry
Increases access to females for mating
How do males fight for dominance and access to females
Using ‘weapons’ such as antlers, tusks or horns
