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🦍biological anthropology review

Lek mating

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Lek mating is a reproductive strategy where males gather in specific areas, known as leks, to display their fitness and attract females for mating. This behavior is characterized by males competing through displays, calls, or physical attributes, often leading to a few dominant males securing the majority of matings while others receive little to no attention. This system influences reproductive success and provides insights into sexual selection and mate choice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Lek mating is commonly observed in species such as certain birds, insects, and some mammals, where males congregate in specific locations during breeding seasons.
  2. The spatial arrangement of leks can lead to intense competition among males, where the most successful displays can significantly impact mating success.
  3. Females typically visit leks primarily for assessment purposes before choosing a mate, often preferring males with the most impressive displays or behaviors.
  4. This mating system can lead to strong sexual dimorphism, as males evolve traits that enhance their attractiveness to females.
  5. Leks may serve as social hubs for males beyond mating, allowing them to establish dominance hierarchies and communicate with other males.

Review Questions

  • How does lek mating influence the evolution of male traits within a species?
    • Lek mating encourages the evolution of elaborate traits in males since those with more impressive displays are more likely to attract females. This competition results in strong sexual selection pressures that can lead to pronounced sexual dimorphism. Over time, these advantageous traits can become more exaggerated as they enhance male reproductive success in the lek context.
  • Discuss the implications of lek mating on female mate choice and how it affects genetic diversity within populations.
    • In lek mating systems, females often assess multiple males before making a choice, which allows for selective pressure on male traits. This selective process can enhance genetic diversity within populations as females choose mates based on desirable traits that signal good genes. Such choices can lead to healthier offspring and contribute to the overall fitness of future generations.
  • Evaluate the role of environmental factors in determining lek locations and their impact on reproductive success.
    • Environmental factors play a critical role in determining the locations of leks, as suitable sites may offer better visibility or accessibility for both males and females. Resources such as food availability, safety from predators, and shelter can influence where leks are established. The characteristics of these environments can significantly affect reproductive success by either enhancing or limiting male displays and female assessments during mating seasons.