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Ch. 51 Animal Behavior
All textbooksUrry 12th EditionCh. 51 Animal BehaviorProblem 3
Chapter 51, Problem 3

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

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1
Identify the key behavior described: The female spotted sandpiper courts multiple males and leaves them to incubate the eggs.
Relate the behavior to mating systems: The behavior involves one female mating with multiple males, which is a clue to the correct term.
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.
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'.
Select the correct answer: The best description of the female spotted sandpiper's behavior is 'polyandry'.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Polyandry

Polyandry is a mating system in which a female has multiple male partners simultaneously or sequentially. In the context of the spotted sandpipers, the female courts and mates with several males, leaving them to care for the offspring. This behavior allows the female to maximize her reproductive success by ensuring that her eggs are fertilized by multiple males.

Polygyny

Polygyny is a mating system where one male mates with multiple females. This is the opposite of polyandry and is characterized by male competition for access to females. Understanding this concept is crucial to differentiate it from polyandry, as it highlights the different reproductive strategies employed by males and females in various species.

Certainty of Paternity

Certainty of paternity refers to the degree to which a male can be sure that he is the biological father of the offspring. In species where females mate with multiple males, such as in polyandry, the certainty of paternity can be low for males. This concept is important in understanding male reproductive strategies and behaviors, as it influences their investment in offspring care.
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