2.4.2 reproductive behaviours and mating systems in animals Flashcards
what are mating systems based on
how many mates an individual has during one breeding season
what does monogamy mean
the mating of a pair of animals to the exclusion of all others
what does polygamy mean
individuals of one sex have more than one mate
what does polygyny mean
one male mates exclusively with a group of females
what does polyandry mean
one female mates with a number of males in the same breeding season
what can successful courtship behaviour in birds and fish be a 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 does sexual dimorphism mean
this is when there are distinct physical differences between the males and females of the same species. females are inconspicuous and males usually have more conspicuous markings, structures and behaviours
what does female choice involve
assessing honest signals of the fitness of males
what can honest signals indicate
favourable alleles that increase the chances of survival of offspring or a low parasite burden suggesting a healthy individual
what occurs in lekking species
males gather to display a lek where female choice occurs
what occurs during a lek
some birds will exhibit this 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
what does the success in male male rivalry increase
the access to females for mating
what happens during male male rivalry
males will fight for dominance and access to females, often using elaborate weapons such as antlers, tusks, and horns.
