New Mating Sytems

What is monogamy

one male and one female

Is monogamy popular in mammals

no (3-5%)

what mammals practice monogamy

prairie voles, california mice, owl monkey

male assistance

Males provide parental care, critical to survival of offspring, including protection from infanticide

mate guarding

prevents rivals

Ecological constraints

prevent polygyny from being an effective mating strategy, probability of finding another female very low

Are dik-diks monogamy social or genetic

both

Why are dik-diks monogamous

mate guarding- males cover females scent marks

What is polygyny

one male and multiple females

what is the most common mating system

polygyny

what is scramble competition polygyny

When females and resources are dispersed.  Males try to find receptive females before other males do

what is female defense polygyny

One male directly defends several females.  Occurs when receptive females live in defensible clusters

what is resource defense polygyny

Males guard a patch of resources that females will visit.  Females are not clustered, but resources are (antelops)

Lek polygyny

Groups of males fight to control a small area only used for a display arena (topi antelope)

Polyandry

one female and several males

Is polyandry rare

yes, but occurs when male investment is essential

What mammals participate is polyandry

tamarins and marmosets

What are some genetic benefits of polyandry

fertility insurance, good genes, genetic compatibility

what are some material/direct benefits of polyandry

more resources, more paternal care, protection

what is polygynandry

small group of males and a small group of females

what are some mammals that practice polygynandry

lions and chimpanzees

What is promiscuity

random mating within a group

what are some mammals that practice promiscuity

rabbits and bobcats