Off in the distance, on the side of a mountain, you spot four female deer and a single male deer. If this reflects the mating system of this species, it would be an example of what type of mating system?

• A. Polyandry
• B. Monogamy
• C. Monogyny
• D. None of the listed responses can be applied to this mating system.
• E. Polygyny

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions of different mating systems: Polyandry involves one female mating with multiple males, Monogamy involves one male mating with one female, Monogyny is not a standard term in mating systems, and Polygyny involves one male mating with multiple females.
2. Identify the key details in the problem: There are four female deer and one male deer observed together.
3. Relate the observed scenario to the definitions: The presence of one male with multiple females suggests a mating system where one male mates with several females.
4. Compare the scenario to the definitions: The situation described matches the definition of Polygyny, where one male mates with multiple females.
5. Conclude that the observed mating system is Polygyny, as it fits the description of one male mating with multiple females.