10.1 Chapter Objectives

Our primary goal for this chapter is for you to understand the four major mating systems, the factors that make each likely, and some of the consequences of each mating system. By the end of your reading and our in-class discussion, you will be able to:

• Define the following terms:

1. 1. Polygamy
   2. Polygyny
   3. Polyandry
   4. Monogamy
   5. Promiscuity (and polygynandry)
   6. Extra pair copulation
   7. Inter- and intra-sexual selection
   8. Parental care & investment
   9. Resource distribution
   10. Infanticide
   11. Social vs. genetic monogamy
   12. Cryptic female choice and sperm competition
   13. Sexual dimorphism

• Characterize the selective factors such as the distribution of mates and resources as well as parental care requirements that lead to each mating system.
• Explain the benefits to males and females for each mating system.
• Connect sexual selection to mating systems.
  • How does gamete expenditure, parental care, mate choice, and mate competition connect to each mating system?
• Evaluate the benefits of extra-pair copulations (EPCs) for males and females in a socially monogamous system.
• Analyze data about the mating systems of humans and other great apes.