Abstract
To find a “dream mate” is important for fitness in all sexually reproducing animals because half of the genome of one’s offspring comes from the chosen mate. Individuals that choose their mates may gain both direct benefits (ie, care or other resources) and indirect benefits (genes improving offspring viability or attractiveness). Mate choice occurs in males and females, and individuals may simultaneously be choosy and compete to be chosen. Processes that often result in sexual selection and in the evolution of secondary sexual characters. Mate choice is context-dependent, operates on multiple traits and varies in time and space.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Reference module in life sciences |
| Publisher | Elsevier Inc. |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780128096338 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2016 |
Bibliographical note
Update of: I. Ahnesjö, 'Mate choice in males and females' in "Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior", 2010, Pages 394-398.Keywords
- Female choice
- Male choice
- Mate assessment
- Mate choice
- Sexual selection