In mammals, as well as many other species, males generally...

Name: Problem 11, Chapter 9: What Is Life? A Guide to Biology
Uploaded: 2020-06-17T00:56:19-08:00
Duration: 1 min 16 s
Channel: Zachary Papazian
Description: In mammals, as well as many other species, males generally compete for females. The best explanation for this phenomenon is: a) males are more aggressive. b) males, on average, have higher fitness. c) females have a higher parental investment. d) males are choosy. e) females are better looking.

In mammals, as well as many other species, males generally compete for females. The best explanation for this phenomenon is: a) males are more aggressive. b) males, on average, have higher fitness. c) females have a higher parental investment. d) males are choosy. e) females are better looking.

In mammals, as well as many other species, males generally compete for females. The best explanation for this phenomenon is:
a) males are more aggressive.
b) males, on average, have higher fitness.
c) females have a higher parental investment.
d) males are choosy.
e) females are better looking.

Key Concepts

Parental Investment Theory

This theory posits that the sex which invests more resources, time, and energy into offspring (typically females) becomes a limiting resource for the other sex. Because the higher-investing sex is more selective in mate choice, the lower-investing sex competes more vigorously for access to these limited, high-quality mates. This dynamic is foundational in understanding mating behaviors and sexual dimorphism in many species.

Sexual Selection

Sexual selection is a form of natural selection that arises through differences in mating success among individuals. It explains how traits that improve an individual's ability to compete for mates or to attract mates can evolve, often leading to behaviors like male competition or elaborate displays. The differential parental investment between sexes drives these selective pressures and shapes sexual behavior.

Mating Competition

Mating competition refers to the contest among individuals of one sex to gain access to mates. This competition can manifest through physical combat, display behaviors, or other means of outcompeting rivals. It is influenced by the relative costs and benefits of reproductive strategies, especially in systems where one sex has a higher parental investment, thereby becoming a coveted resource.

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