Female spotted sandpipers aggressively court males and, after mating, leave the clutch of young for the male to incubate. This sequence may be repeated several times with different males until no available males remain, forcing the female to incubate her last clutch. Which of the following terms best describes this behavior? a. polygyny b. polyandry c. promiscuity d. certainty of paternity

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key behavior described: The female spotted sandpiper courts multiple males and leaves them to incubate the eggs.
2. Relate the behavior to mating systems: The behavior involves one female mating with multiple males, which is a clue to the correct term.
3. Define the options: Polygyny involves one male with multiple females, polyandry involves one female with multiple males, promiscuity involves both sexes mating with multiple partners, and certainty of paternity refers to the probability a male is the genetic sire of the offspring he is caring for.
4. Match the behavior with the correct term: Since the female mates with multiple males, and each male only mates with her, the term that fits this scenario is 'polyandry'.
5. Select the correct answer: The best description of the female spotted sandpiper's behavior is 'polyandry'.