Mating Systems Flashcards
(9 cards)
What does mating system classification encompass?
Copulation behaviour
Social organisation
Parental care system
Competition for mates
What are the different classifications of mating systems?
Monogamy:
- 1 male and 1 female
- Most birds and a few mammals and fish
- < 25% of social monogomous birds are also genetically monogomous
Polygyny:
- 1 male and more than 1 female
- Few birds and most mammals
- Can be simultaneous or successive/sequential
Polyandry:
- Multiple males and one female
- Few birds, fish and mammals
- Can be simultaneous or successive/sequential
Polygynandry (promiscuity):
- More than one male and more than one female
- Few birds, few mammals, many fish, reptiles and amphibians
What are reproductive potentials?
Male reproductive potential is > female reproductive potential
Males are limited primarily by access to females
Females are limited primarily by access to resources
What does mating systems depend on?
Female group size
Female range size
Give some examples of different mating systems
Solitary females:
- when her range is small and defendable = polygyny
- when her range is large and defendable = monogamy
Social females:
- her range is small, in a small group and the range is defendable = uni-male polygyny
- her range is larger, large group and range is defendable = multi-male polygyny
- large unstable groups = males often aggregate in leks when competition gets intense
What is resource defence polygyny?
Males defend key resources wanted by females
Tent-making bats:
- males construct and defend roosting tents which house harems of females
Do females want paternal care?
Yes - it acts as a resource
Male care may be essential for successful reproduction and even if not essential, it tends to be desirable
What does sex role depend on?
Potential reproductive rate which in turn depends on relative provision of parental care
