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Female mate choice in mammals
Tim Clutton-Brock1, Katherine McAuliffe
1Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, United Kingdom. THCB@CAM.AC.UK
The Quarterly Review of Biology
|March 31, 2009
Summary
Female mammals exhibit consistent mate preferences, similar to birds, likely benefiting offspring fitness. These preferences may be masked by male competition or control.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Animal behavior
- Behavioral ecology
Background:
- Mate choice studies in vertebrates primarily focus on birds, noting female selection based on male phenotypic traits indicating genetic quality.
- Research on female mate choice in mammals is less developed, often emphasizing benefits to the female's survival or reproductive success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent and nature of female mate choice in mammals, particularly in rodents.
- To determine if female mammalian mating preferences confer benefits to offspring fitness.
- To compare the sophistication of female mate choice in mammals versus birds.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent experimental studies on mammalian mate choice, with a focus on rodent models.
- Analysis of evidence for consistent female preferences in mammals.
- Evaluation of the potential fitness benefits of these preferences for offspring.
Main Results:
- Emerging evidence indicates consistent female preferences in mammals, especially rodents.
- These preferences appear to enhance offspring fitness, challenging previous assumptions.
- No definitive evidence suggests less developed preferences in female mammals compared to birds.
Conclusions:
- Female mammals possess sophisticated mate choice mechanisms that benefit offspring.
- Mammalian mate preferences may be less apparent due to male competition and sexual conflict.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the evolution and expression of female mate choice in mammals.
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