Species And Courtship Behaviour

Question 1

What is a species?

Answer 1

A group of similar organisms
That can breed together to produce fertile offspring

Question 2

Why is it sometimes difficult to define a species?

Answer 2

Knowledge forever changes and increases e.g.
How they evolved
Physical features
Biochemistry
Behaviour

Question 3

What are 5 things in which courtship behaviour ensures successful reproduction?

Answer 3

Recognising members of the same species
Identifying a mate that is capable of breeding
Forming a pair bond
Synchronisation of mating
Become able to breed

Question 4

Explain how courtship behaviour allows individuals to recognise members of the same species which ensures successful reproduction

Answer 4

• to ensure that mating occurs only between members of the same species
• only members of the same species will produce fertile offspring
• this prevents interbreeding, and making reproduction more successful
• due to this specificity, it can be used when classifying organisms

e.g. more closely related species, will have similar courtship behaviour

Question 5

Explain how courtship behaviour allows individuals to identify a mate that is capable of breeding which ensures successful reproduction

Answer 5

Both partners need to be sexually mature, fertile and receptive to mating

Question 6

Explain how courtship behaviour allows individuals to form a pair bond which ensures successful reproduction

Answer 6

Forming a pair bond, leads to successful mating and raising of offspring

Question 7

Explain how courtship behaviour allows individuals to synchronisation of mating which ensures successful reproduction

Answer 7

Ensuring that mating occurs when there is maximum probability of the sperm and egg meeting

Question 8

Explain how courtship behaviour allows individuals to become able to breed which ensures successful reproduction

Answer 8

By bringing a member of the opposite sex into a physiological state
That allows breeding to occur