Production of a small
number of offspring with
large amount of energy
from parents in raising the
offspring. Higher risk to
parents offset by lower
success rate
R Stategy
Production of a large
number of offspring with
little energy spent raising
offspring by parents.
Lower risk to parents but
lower success rate
Courtship behaviours
Series of repeated
ritualistic activities
and response
between a male
and female
Often initiated by male
Courtship behaviours
ensures mates are of the
same species to keep
gene pool isolated
Allows for
sexual selection
of males by
females
Results in natural
selection. Females
choose males with best
adaptions
Mating Systems
Monogamy
Male and Female
form a pair bond.
Both usually assist
in rearing the
offspring.
Common in birds.
Polygyny
One male competes for and
breeds with many females.
Males have avoid to be bigger,
stronger, and show. Do not
usually assist in rearing the
offspring. Common in herd
animals
Polyandry
One female breeds with
many males. Males raise
offspring. Rare but
common in colonial
insects
Co-operative breeding
numerous
males-females
partnerships
occurring in kin
groups
Sychnronised Spawning
Females and males
simultaneously
release gametes.
Often in response to
environmental cues.
Fertilisation is
external.
Hierachies
Dominant Hierarchy (Linear)
Individuals ranked from highest to lowest. Each animal
dominant to those ranked below it, and those below
submissive to those ranked higher. Best known is social
mammals. Direct conflict is rare. Temporary shifts in
hierarchy can occur
Complex Hierarchy
Alpha individual is supported by other individuals
in the control of the group. Ranking determines
access to food, water and mates. Ranking is
determined by size, strength, sex.
Territories
Benefit to group must
outweigh the energy costs
of defending the territory
Set up by
an
individual,
breeding
pair or
group
Has defined boundaries
Defended from members
of the same species
Boundary markings warn
against accidental intrusion by
members of the same species
Advantages
Provides a safe place to
court, mate and rear young