Final answer:
Polygyny, where one male partners with multiple females, is the more common form of polygamy in animals. This structure is advantageous for spreading a male's genes and can provide several benefits within a society or species. Polyandry is much rarer and occurs in specific ecological or social contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Of the two possible kinds of polygamy, polygyny is by far the more common in animals. Polygyny involves one male being partnered with multiple females. This pattern maximizes the reproductive potential for the male and is often related to the availability of resources and social status within the community. It is prevalent in both human societies and the animal kingdom, with many species exhibiting this type of social structure.
On the other hand, polyandry, where one female mates with multiple males, is considerably rarer and typically found in species where females might have an advantage in controlling access to resources or in situations where it can be beneficial for maximizing the genetic diversity of offspring.
In polygynous societies, males typically have a hierarchy of mates which can contribute to a greater spread of their genes and potentially offer various benefits like stronger political and economic alliances, wider kinship connections, and increased labor force within the family unit. Additionally, in animal populations, the existence of polygyny or polyandry often involves innate behaviors related to sexual selection and reproductive strategies that have evolved over time.