Notes on Behavioural Ecology and Sexual Selection

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms and definitions related to behavioural ecology, particularly focused on sexual selection and its implications.

Behavioural Ecology

The study of the evolutionary basis for animal behavior due to ecological pressures.

Sexual Dimorphism

The phenomenon where individuals of different sexes of the same species exhibit different genotypes and/or phenotypes.

Anisogamy

The condition of producing gametes of different sizes, typically with females producing larger, resource-rich eggs and males producing smaller, mobile sperm.

Intrasexual Selection

A type of sexual selection where individuals of the same sex compete for mates.

Intersexual Selection

A type of sexual selection where one sex chooses mates from individuals of the other sex.

Phenotypic Differences

Observable differences in the physical characteristics of individuals, often between sexes.

Gametes

Reproductive cells: sperm in males and eggs in females.

Parental Investment Theory

Theory suggesting that the sex which invests more in offspring will be a limiting resource for the sex that invests less.

Operational Sex Ratio

The ratio of sexually receptive males to females at any given time.

Mating Success

The success an individual has in securing a mate compared to others.

Negative Frequency Dependent Selection

A type of selection where the fitness of a phenotype decreases as it becomes more common.

Fitness

The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Sperm Removal

A tactic used by males to remove the sperm of previous mates from females.

Mate Guarding

The act of one mate keeping close proximity to another to prevent them from mating with others.

Territoriality

A behavior in which an animal defends its territory from others of the same species.

Mate Choice

The selection of a mate based on particular traits or behaviors.

Darwin’s Hypothesis

Proposed that sexual selection was the mechanism by which certain traits evolved due to their impact on mating success.

Copulatory Success

The success of an individual in actually mating with a partner.

Bateman Curves

Graphs that illustrate the relationship between mating success and reproductive success, typically showing that males can have higher variance than females.

Male-Male Competition

A form of intrasexual selection where males compete with each other for access to females.

Choosiness

The tendency for one sex (usually females) to be selective in choosing their mates.

Phenotypic Variation

The variation in phenotypes that can occur within a species.

Social Status

An individual's rank or position within the social hierarchy of a group.

Extreme Variance in Mating Success

A situation where some individuals have significantly more mating opportunities than others.

Resource Allocation

The way in which resources are distributed among offspring by the parents.

Signaling

Using traits or behaviors to signal to potential mates about fitness or quality.

Sex Ratio

The ratio of males to females in a population, which can affect mating dynamics.

Fitness Limitations

Constraints on reproductive success based on the availability of mates or resources.

Genetic Basis

The hereditary factors that contribute to variations in traits among individuals.

Rock-Paper-Scissors Dynamics

A model describing how different strategies can coexist in a population where no single strategy consistently dominates.

Mate Availability

The accessibility of potential mates in a population, influenced by sex ratio.

Copulatory Duration

The length of time spent in copulation, which can impact reproductive success.

Anti-Aphrodisiacs

Substances used to deter potential mates from mating.

Alternative Reproductive Strategies

Different methods individuals of the same sex use to achieve reproductive success.

Conspicuous Ornaments

Eye-catching traits that may serve as indicators of fitness in sexual selection.

Successful Strategies

Effective means of obtaining mates that can vary with population dynamics.