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Questions and Answers
What is typically true about the mating dynamics between males and females in sexual selection?
What is typically true about the mating dynamics between males and females in sexual selection?
- Males usually compete for access to mates. (correct)
- Females are commonly the competing sex.
- Males are generally the choosy sex.
- Both sexes equally contribute to direct competition.
What is a reason females might exhibit mate choice in sexual selection?
What is a reason females might exhibit mate choice in sexual selection?
- Females generally prefer to avoid parental investment.
- Males provide direct benefits such as territory or protection. (correct)
- Mate choice has no impact on offspring survival.
- Males often have low variations in traits.
Which aspect of sexual selection is illustrated by the example of male birds singing to attract females?
Which aspect of sexual selection is illustrated by the example of male birds singing to attract females?
- Sexual dimorphism
- Intersexual selection (correct)
- Intrasexual selection
- Genetic drift
How do ‘sexy sons’ contribute to the theory of mate selection?
How do ‘sexy sons’ contribute to the theory of mate selection?
What is a potential outcome of both sexes investing heavily in parental care?
What is a potential outcome of both sexes investing heavily in parental care?
Why might males develop exaggerated and costly traits despite potential risks?
Why might males develop exaggerated and costly traits despite potential risks?
What is one of the indirect benefits associated with female choice?
What is one of the indirect benefits associated with female choice?
What is the primary focus of intrasexual selection?
What is the primary focus of intrasexual selection?
What characterizes the concept of sexual dimorphism?
What characterizes the concept of sexual dimorphism?
In the context of the Mating Game concept presented, what determines who wins?
In the context of the Mating Game concept presented, what determines who wins?
Flashcards
Sexual Selection
Sexual Selection
The process where individuals with certain traits are more likely to mate, increasing their reproductive success.
Intrasexual Selection
Intrasexual Selection
Selection based on direct competition amongst members of the same sex, often males, for access to mates.
Intersexual Selection
Intersexual Selection
Selection based on mate choice, usually females choosing males with attractive traits.
Direct Benefits
Direct Benefits
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Indirect Benefits
Indirect Benefits
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Parental Investment
Parental Investment
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Potential Fitness
Potential Fitness
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Choosy Sex
Choosy Sex
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Competing Sex
Competing Sex
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Sexy Sons
Sexy Sons
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Mating Game
Mating Game
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Study Notes
Sexual Selection
- Members of one sex (usually males) may have exaggerated, costly traits that reduce survival
- This is often seen in traits aimed at attracting mates, like elaborate plumage or antlers
- Birds are aesthetically attractive, especially males during mating season
- Males use vocal and instrumental music to attract females
- There are two types of sexual selection:
- Intrasexual selection, where members of the same sex compete for access to mates (e.g., male seals fighting)
- Intersexual selection, where individuals of one sex choose mates based on certain traits (e.g., female birds selecting mates with vibrant plumage)
- Usually, but not always, males compete and females choose
- This difference in behavior is linked to sex differences in parental investment and potential fitness.
- If both sexes invest heavily in offspring, both compete and choose mates
The Mating Game
- Males (quality 1-5) have many gametes
- Females (quality 1-5) have a few gametes
- Males and females agree to mate
- The female accepts one sperm, pairs with an egg, and delivers both to the breeding area.
- Males stay in breeding areas to keep mating
- The individual with the most fitness (number and quality of offspring) wins
Selective Forces on Males & Females
- How can males best increase their fitness?
- Does this also work for females?
- Which sex is fitter, on average?
- Which sex has higher potential fitness?
Why Be Choosy?
- Direct benefits: Attractive mates provide resources like food, territory, or protection
- Indirect benefits: Attractive mates may have good genes that improve offspring survival
- Sexy sons: Attractive mates can produce attractive offspring
Sex Differences in Parental Investment
- Sex differences in parental investment and potential fitness determine which sex competes and which sex chooses
- Examples: Red phalarope and seahorse
What If Both Sexes Invest Heavily In Parental Care?
- Both sexes may compete and choose mates. This is seen in species like penguins
Mating Preferences in Humans
- What qualities are attractive in a partner?
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Mates
- Females may have different priorities for long-term vs short-term mates.
- Males may have different standards for long-term vs short-term mates.
Take-Homes: Sexual Selection
- Why does sexual selection happen?
- Which sex competes and which sex chooses?
- When both sexes invest heavily in offspring, both compete and both choose.
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