Question

A mating system in which at least some females mate with more than one male is termed ________.

1) vivapary

2) polygyny

3) polygamy

4) polyandry

Answer 1

Polyandry is a mating system where one female mates with multiple males. It is less common than polygyny and is observed in certain bird species where females choose their mate from a group of males performing elaborate displays.

Step-by-step explanation:

Polyandry is a mating system in which one female mates with multiple males. This type of mating system is less common compared to polygyny, where one male mates with multiple females. In polyandrous mating, the female is usually responsible for parental care as the males are not capable of providing care to many offspring.

An example of polyandrous mating is seen in certain bird species like the yellow-rumped honeyguide, where the females approach a male defending a nest and mate with him. Another example is the lek system observed in sage grouse and prairie chicken, where several males perform elaborate displays and the females choose their mate from this group.