Final answer:
Concealed ovulation evolved for mating strategies, protection from infanticide, and reduced sexual harassment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Concealed ovulation refers to the lack of observable physical signs of ovulation in certain species. There are several reasons for the evolution of concealed ovulation:
- Mating strategies: Concealed ovulation allows females to engage in sexual behavior and form social bonds outside of their fertile periods, reducing competition among males and increasing male investment in offspring.
- Protection from infanticide: In species with concealed ovulation, males may not be able to accurately determine when females are fertile and thus are less likely to engage in infanticide, as there is no certainty regarding paternity.
- Reduced sexual harassment: Concealed ovulation can minimize unwanted male attention during non-fertile periods, reducing potential harm or energy expenditure for females.