Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
reversal with females competing for males. A hierarchical analysis suggests that
different factors explain mating system diversity at different taxonomic levels.
Further reading
Bennett and Owens (2002) review mating systems in birds. Höglund and Alatalo
(1995) review lek mating systems. David McDonald's study of long-tailed manakins
shows that unrelated males cooperate in displays on leks. The alpha male gains all the
matings while the beta male cooperates to maintain the attractiveness of the site for
when he becomes alpha in later years (McDonald & Potts, 1994; McDonald, 2010).
Andersson (2005) and Berglund and Rosenqvist (2003) consider the theories and
evidence for the evolution of sex role reversal and polyandry. Setchell and Kappeler
(2003) review sexual conflict and mating systems in primates.
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
1.
Why are most mammals polygynous whilst most birds are monogamous?
2.
Why might female red-winged blackbirds suffer polygyny costs in some populations but not
in others? How would this variation influence mate choice and mating systems?
3.
Compare the evolution of sex role reversal in shorebirds and pipefish (read Andersson,
2005, and Berglund and Rosenqvist, 2003).
4.
How could the comparative survey of mammalian mating systems discussed in this chapter
be enhanced by mapping mating systems onto a phylogeny?
5.
Compare the techniques needed to study differences in mating systems at the various
taxonomic levels in Table 9.3.
