Social Interaction With Females Modulates Context-Dependent Male Guppy Mating Tactics for Female Receptivity

Area of Science:

• Animal Behavior
• Evolutionary Biology
• Sexual Selection

Background:

• Traditionally, females are considered the choosier sex in mating.
• Emerging evidence highlights the significant role of male mate choice in sexual selection, even without male parental care.
• Social experience is crucial in shaping how individuals evaluate potential mates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how social experience influences mating tactics and preferences in male guppies (Poecilia reticulata).
• To determine if housing conditions (isolation vs. mixed-sex groups) alter male guppy mating behaviors and mate choice.
• To understand the adaptive significance of social experience in shaping male mating strategies.

Main Methods:

• Male guppies were housed in either isolation or mixed-sex groups.
• Mating tactics and behavioral repertoires were quantified.
• Male responses to receptive and non-receptive females were assessed using no-choice and dichotomous choice tests.

Main Results:

• Males reared in mixed-sex groups exhibited increased coercive behaviors toward non-receptive females.
• These males also showed shorter latencies to initiate sexual behaviors during interactions with non-receptive females.
• Overall male preference strength for female receptivity status was not affected by social experience.

Conclusions:

• Social experience, particularly interaction with females, modifies male guppy mating tactics, leading to behaviors that may enhance insemination success.
• While specific mating tactics are adaptable, the fundamental preference for female receptivity might be influenced by broader ecological factors.
• This study underscores the critical role of social experience in driving context-dependent variations in male mating behavior and sexual selection.