Sexual Selection and Mating Systems

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to sexual selection and mating systems.

Sexual selection

A form of natural selection whereby certain traits increase mating success.

Intrasexual selection

A form of sexual selection involving competition among individuals of one sex, usually males, for mates.

Intersexual selection

A form of sexual selection where one sex, usually females, chooses mates based on certain traits.

Good genes hypothesis

The idea that individuals select mates based on traits that indicate genetic quality.

Runaway selection

A process where a trait becomes more exaggerated in males, coupled with a preference for that trait in females.

Sensory bias

The preference of one sex for certain traits that were originally favored for other reasons.

Polygamy

A mating system involving multiple partners, can be divided into polygyny and polyandry.

Monogamy

A mating system where one male and one female form a pair bond.

Polyandry

A mating system in which one female mates with multiple males.

Extra-pair copulations (EPCs)

Mating interactions outside a primary pair bond, observed in various mating systems.

Costs of extra-pair copulations

Potential drawbacks for males and females that include sperm depletion, risks of injury, and reduced parental care.

Handicap hypothesis

The idea that costly traits serve as honest signals of fitness to potential mates.

Polygyny Threshold Model

Predicts that male territory quality will influence mating success, especially in patchy environments.

Resource-based mating systems

Mating systems influenced by the availability and distribution of resources necessary for reproduction.