Final answer:
The most likely mating strategy for the described cat species is polygynous mating, where males have territories overlapping with multiple females, defending against other males and attracting females through resource control.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question revolves around the mating strategies that are likely employed by a species of cats where male territories overlap with multiple female territories, and the cats show strong territorial behavior, especially towards members of the same sex. Given that each male's territory includes several females and that there are multiple females in each territory, the most likely mating strategy is polygynous mating. This strategy is characterized by a single male mating with multiple females. The male defends his territory and resources, attracting females, which could result in few males mating with many females within each territory. Additionally, the fact that males do not tolerate trespassing by other males indicates a competition for access to females, supporting a polygynous system.
Observing animals like male lions and the behavior of spotted sandpipers, we see that strong territorial defense is often associated with mating behaviors that favor polygynous mating. This aligns with the principle that individuals who successfully defend their territory and thus control resources have a better chance of attracting mates and producing offspring, enhancing their fitness and transferring those traits to future generations