Final answer:
Female aggression in Red Deer during mating season is closely tied to resource competition, as females establish and defend territories attracting males. This leads to a polygynous mating system, where numerous males are attracted to females with access to abundant resources, critical for reproduction success.
Step-by-step explanation:
Female aggression over matings in Red Deer is primarily linked to resource competition. In the context of red deer behavior, females establish their own territories, which are areas with resources that they control and defend. These resources are vital as they attract males during the mating season. A polygynous mating system is most likely in operation, where many males are drawn to a few females that hold the richest territories. This system leads to competition among females to maintain territories with plentiful resources to attract the highest quality males.
Such behavior is partially driven by the need to ensure reproductive success and the survival of offspring. Females with richer territories not only attract more males but can also provide better support for their young. Aggressive behavior in defending these territories can be a crucial factor in the mating dynamics of red deer.
In mating systems and territorial defense, while mating behavior is a key aspect, it's the competition for resources that primarily linked to female aggression over matings. Successful mating and rearing of offspring enhance an individual's fitness, having a significant impact on the genetic contribution to future generations.