Final answer:
The large alpha male elephant seal's constant defense against medium-sized males allows smaller males to employ a sneak copulation strategy, demonstrating an alternative reproductive tactic in animal behavior and the workings of sexual selection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the topic of behavioral biology, specifically as it relates to the mating strategies of alpha males in animal societies. In the example of the large alpha male elephant seal, this is an instance of sneaky copulation, also known as alternative male strategy. While the alpha male is preoccupied defending his status from medium-sized competitors, the smaller males take advantage of the situation to mate with females. This behavior ensures that their genes are passed on to the next generation despite not being the dominant male. This sexual strategy demonstrates a fascinating aspect of animal behavior where different tactics are used by less dominant males to reproduce successfully. In broader terms, this example illustrates how sexual selection operates within species and affects biodiversity.