Summary
Monogamy, polygyny and polyandry reflect resource distribution and parental investment.
In depth
Monogamy (swans, gibbons), polygyny (elephant seals, deer), polyandry (jacanas), promiscuity. Determined by resource defence, parental care needs and operational sex ratio. Extra-pair copulations occur in many 'monogamous' birds.
The distribution of resources and females determines whether males can monopolise mates. When males provide essential care, monogamy is more common. Lek systems have males displaying in a communal arena where females choose.
Example: sage grouse leks.
A mating system describes how many partners males and females have and how they form bonds. Monogamy, polygyny (one male, several females), polyandry and promiscuity each reflect how resources, predation and the need for parental care are distributed.
When one sex can defend resources or mates, polygamy is more likely; when both parents are needed to raise young, monogamy is favoured. Genetic studies show that even socially monogamous birds often have extra-pair offspring.
Example: in lek systems such as sage grouse, males display in an arena and females choose mates.
Key idea: mating systems link ecology to sexual selection.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mating Systems?
Monogamy, polygyny and polyandry reflect resource distribution and parental investment.
Which area of biology covers Mating Systems, and how advanced is it?
Mating Systems is one of the 53 topics in Animal Behaviour. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Parental Investment, Territoriality, Cooperative Breeding.
Can you give an example of Mating Systems?
In jacanas, males care for eggs and females hold territories.
What should I learn before Mating Systems?
Work through the Beginner topics in Animal Behaviour first, such as Animal Behaviour, Innate Behaviour, Learned Behaviour, then return to Mating Systems. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Mating Systems?
The closest topics to Mating Systems are Parental Investment, Territoriality, Cooperative Breeding, Reciprocal Altruism. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Mating Systems?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Mating Systems. To practise the whole of Animal Behaviour, use the Animal Behaviour quiz.
How is Mating Systems different from Parental Investment?
Mating Systems: Monogamy, polygyny and polyandry reflect resource distribution and parental investment. Parental Investment: The time and energy a parent spends on offspring, typically higher in the sex that produces fewer larger gametes. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Mating Systems step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Parental Investment and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Animal Behaviour quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.