Sexual Selection Theory Flashcards
What does sexual selection theory suggest about the number of mates?
The number of mates influences male but not female reproductive success.
What is male-male competition?
Males fight over females and defend them, also guarding females when fertile.
What percentage of adult bull musk ox die each year fighting?
5-10% of adult bull musk ox die each year fighting.
What evidence is there of male competition in narwhals?
Narwhal males are found with other male tips embedded in their jaws.
What is post-copulatory competition?
It includes sperm removal, copulatory plugs, and sperm competition.
What is sperm removal?
Males scoop the stored sperm from the female reproductive tract.
What are copulatory plugs?
Males cement the female genitalia after copulation.
Can you give an example of animals that use copulatory plugs?
Some worms and squirrels use copulatory plugs.
Example: Some worms + squirrels.
What is sperm competition?
Males produce large quantities of sperm that oust competing males’ sperm from the female reproductive tract.
Can you provide examples of species that exhibit sperm competition?
Polygynous birds and mammals exhibit sperm competition.
Example: Polygynous birds + mammals.
What is an example of territory quality in mate choice?
Territory quality on pied flycatchers.
What is an example of nest construction in mate choice?
Nest construction in weaver birds.
What is an example of bower colouration in mate choice?
Bower colouration in bower birds.
What is an example of courtship behavior in mate choice?
Courtship dance in fruit flies.
What is an example of flight ability in mate choice?
Strong flyers in fly swarms.
What role do central males play in mate choice?
Central males in lekking species.
