Reproductive Behaviour Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes Describe the two main modes of reproduction in animals and plants. Explain what is meant by a mating system and describe the main types of mating system found in frog and toads. Explain why differential investment by the sexes may influence mate locating strategies and hence mating systems. Explain what is meant by the species specificity of a signal, using frogs as an example. Describe the types of experiment that can be used to determine the function of acoustic signals in animal communication. Explain sexual selection and how it relates to natural selection. Devise an experiment to test female mating preferences based on acoustic signals. Explain how phylogeny can be used to understand current behaviour. Provide examples of how speciation may occur. Give an account of the hormonal control of growth of amphibian larvae and relate this to life history parameters.