L7 Mate Choice and Sociality in Evolutionary Biology Flashcards
(46 cards)
Sexual Selection
Darwin’s theory explaining mate competition traits.
Assortative Mating
Preference for similar phenotypes in partners.
Sociality
Living in groups for breeding and survival.
Altruism
Selfless behavior benefiting others’ reproductive success.
Eusociality
Cooperative breeding with non-reproductive helpers.
Sex Differences
Variations in traits and behaviors between sexes.
Gamete Size
Females produce larger, energy-rich gametes.
Parental Care
Investment in offspring survival and development.
Lifetime Reproductive Success
Total offspring produced by an individual.
Alpha Male
Dominant male with highest reproductive success.
Differential Variance
Unequal reproductive success among individuals.
Intersexual Choice
Female selection based on male traits.
Intrasexual Competition
Male competition for access to females.
Aesthetic Preferences
Female attraction to visually appealing traits.
Good Genes Hypothesis
Females choose mates with superior genetic quality.
Peacock Eyespot
Indicator of male quality and offspring survival.
House Finch Preference
Females prefer redder males for better parenting.
Sexual Selection Mechanisms
Processes driving mate choice and competition.
California Elephant Seal
Males compete for territory and females.
Vogelkop Bowerbird
Male displays attract females for mating.
Eastern Bluebird
Example of mate selection based on traits.
Cedar Waxwing
Species illustrating aesthetic female preferences.
Sexual Selection Consequences
Leads to secondary sexual characteristics.
Natural Selection
Process favoring traits enhancing survival and reproduction.