Final answer:
The experiment with pipefish is significant because it provides insights into polyandrous mating systems, reproductive success of male pipefish, sexual selection, and parental investment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The experiment with pipefish is significant for several reasons. Firstly, female pipefish that mate with more than one male have a higher number of offspring. This suggests that polyandrous mating systems can lead to increased reproductive success. Secondly, the study showed that the reproductive success of male pipefish was based on mating success with females, highlighting the importance of male competition for mates. Thirdly, the experiment demonstrated that greater sexual selection on males than on females is not inherent in the identity of the sexes, as sex role reversal exists in pipefish. Lastly, the fact that female pipefish have a higher parental investment than males because they can produce larger clutches emphasizes the role of parental care in pipefish reproduction.