The importance of courtship behaviour.

Question 1

Why is courtship behavior essential?

Answer 1

Essential for successful mating and for species recognition.

Question 2

What is a species?

Answer 2

A group of similar organisms that can breed to make fertile offspring. Species must reproduce, and pass on advantageous alleles, for the survival of their species.

Question 3

What are courtship rituals?

Answer 3

A sequence of actions which is unique to each species. This is how animals identify members of their own species to reproduce with.
Most courtship rituals are performed by males. They can include a sequence of dance moves, sounds, release of pheromones, display of colorful feathers or fighting. Females observe the courtship ritual and decide if they want to mate with the male.

Question 4

What is importance of courtship?

Answer 4

To ensure successful reproduction:
- enables them to recognize own species and opposite sex.
- Synchronizes mating behavior - indicates sexually mature and in season ( releases egg ) .

To ensure survival of the offspring:
- Form a pair bond.
- Choose a strong and healthy mate.

Question 5

Evaluate courtship rituals.

Answer 5

The more similar a courtship sequence is between different species, the more closely related they are.