Final answer:
HBE explains polygyny as a reproductive strategy where males compete for resources-rich territories to attract multiple females, resulting in genetic advantages for the offspring but little parental support from males. Examples include honeyguides with defended beehives, elephant seals with harem structures, and birds such as the sage grouse engaging in lek mating systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Human Behavioral Ecology (HBE) explains polygyny as an adaptive strategy that can maximize reproductive success under certain conditions. In resource-based polygyny, males secure territories rich in resources that attract females, enabling the male to mate with multiple females who are drawn to the territory. This affords the female the benefit of securing high-quality genes from a dominant male, albeit without the male's assistance in parental care. An example of this mechanism is observed in the yellow-rumped honeyguide, where females are attracted to males guarding rich resources like beehives. Another form, harem polygyny, involves a dominant male controlling a territory and the exclusive mating rights with the females within it, as seen in elephant seals. Lastly, there is the lek system, which provides a communal display area for males to attract females, with females freely choosing their mates from these displaying males; this behavior is noted in bird species like the sage grouse and the prairie chicken.