Final answer:
The three major mating strategies are monogamous, polygynous, and polyandrous, exemplified by different animal species with monogamous species forming pair bonds, polygynous species involving one male with multiple females, and polyandrous species having one female with multiple males.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three major mating strategies discussed in animal populations are monogamous, polygynous, and polyandrous. In a monogamous mating system, one male mates with one female, and they may stay together to raise the offspring. The polygynous mating strategy involves one male mating with multiple females; this can take several forms, such as resource-based polygyny, harem mating structures, and lek systems where males perform displays to attract females. In contrast, polyandrous mating occurs when one female mates with multiple males, which is seen less frequently in the animal kingdom. Examples of these mating systems can be found in a variety of animal species, including birds like the sage grouse (lek system) and mammals such as elephant seals (harem structure).