Question

Small, nonterritorial male marine iguanas typically have their mating interrupted by larger males prior to ejaculation. What alternative mating strategy have these small males developed to compensate for this?

1) Small males form coalitions and distract larger males to allow enough time for copulation.

2) Small males induce ejaculation prior to copulation, and store the ejaculate in their cloacal pouches.

3) Small males have developed the ability to induce ejaculation much more quickly than large males.

4) Small males have developed sperm that are more efficient at fertilization than the sperm of larger males.

Answer 1

Small, nonterritorial male marine iguanas have evolved the ability to rapidly induce ejaculation to compensate for mating interruptions by larger males.

Step-by-step explanation:

The alternative mating strategy that small, nonterritorial male marine iguanas have developed to compensate for their interrupted mating by larger males is the ability to induce ejaculation much more quickly than large males. These small males have adapted to the selective pressures of their environment by evolving a quick-fire reproductive strategy, which allows for the best chance of successful fertilization during the short mating opportunities they have before a larger male can disrupt the act. This rapid ejaculation ability is an example of how reproductive strategies can vary within a species in response to competition and the physical attributes of the individuals involved.