Question

In a polygynous mating system, a. one male mates with one female. b. one female mates with many different males. c. one male mates with many different females. d. many different females mate with many different males.

Short answer

The correct answer is c. one male mates with many different females.

Step-by-step solution

Eliminate Incorrect Options

Start by eliminating the mating systems that do not involve one male and multiple females. Options a, b, and d can be ruled out. In option a, one male mates with only one female, which is monogamous, not polygynous. Similarly, in option b, one female mates with multiple males, a system known as polyandry. Lastly, option d involves multiple females and multiple males, indicating a polygynandrous or promiscuous system.

Identify Correct Option

In option c, one male mates with multiple females, a scenario that aligns with the definition of a polygynous mating system. Therefore, this is the correct choice.

Key concepts

Mating Systems

Mating systems refer to the structured patterns and social dynamics that dictate how organisms mate, reproduce, and raise offspring. In biology, these systems are crucial as they impact everything from gene flow and genetic diversity to animal behavior. More generally, understanding mating systems is fundamental to grasping social structures in animal populations and even some plant species.

There are several types of mating systems, primarily defined by the number of mating partners and the social bonds formed:

• Monogamy: One male pairs with one female exclusively for a breeding season or longer.
• Polygamy: This includes any mating system involving multiple partners.
• Polygyny: A type of polygamy where one male mates with several females.
• Polyandry: One female mates with several males.
• Polygynandry: Multiple males form bonds with multiple females.

Each of these systems has its own ecological and behavioral characteristics that serve various evolutionary purposes. It is essential to understand them when studying animal behavior and reproduction strategies.

Polygamy

Polygamy is a broad term in biology that refers to a mating system where an individual has multiple partners during a breeding season. It is an umbrella category that includes both polygyny and polyandry.

In polygyny, one male mates with several females, often leading to a competition among males for access to females. This can result in sexual dimorphism, where males and females become physically distinct, usually with males evolving traits advantageous in competing for mates.

Polyandry, conversely, involves one female mating with multiple males. This arrangement is less common but plays a significant evolutionary role in certain species, where it can increase genetic diversity among offspring.

Understanding polygamous systems helps illustrate the diversity of reproductive strategies across species, showing how species adapt to ecological and social pressures to enhance reproductive success and survival.

Biology Education

Biology education provides the foundation for understanding life, evolution, ecosystems, genetics, and behavior. It equips students with the critical thinking skills required to analyze how organisms interact with each other and their environments.

In the context of studying mating systems, biology education opens up discussions on the complexities of reproduction strategies and their implications. Students learn to appreciate how diverse mating behaviors contribute to the evolutionary fitness of a species.

To ensure students grasp these concepts:

• Use real-world examples to illustrate different mating systems.
• Incorporate hands-on activities and observations to see these systems in action.
• Facilitate discussions that explore the socio-ecological drivers of these systems.
• Encourage exploration beyond textbook definitions to realize how these systems affect species and ecosystems.

By fostering an environment of inquiry and engagement, biology education helps students gain profound insights into the natural world's intricacies.