Courtship displays

Definition

Courtship displays are behavioral rituals performed by animals to attract mates and facilitate reproductive success. These displays often involve complex sequences of actions, sounds, visual signals, or chemical cues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Courtship displays can signal the health and genetic quality of a potential mate.
2. Different species have unique courtship behaviors that are often highly specialized.
3. These behaviors can be influenced by both proximate causes (immediate environmental stimuli) and ultimate causes (evolutionary advantages).
4. Successful courtship displays can lead to mating and subsequent reproductive opportunities.
5. Failures in courtship behaviors can result in reduced mating success and diminished genetic contribution to future generations.

Review Questions

• What are the primary purposes of courtship displays in animals?
• How do proximate and ultimate causes influence courtship behavior?
• Why might a failure in courtship display lead to reduced reproductive success?

Related terms

Sexual Selection: A form of natural selection where individuals with certain traits are more likely to attract mates.

Mating Systems: The ways in which animal societies are structured regarding sexual behavior.

Signaling Theory: A theory that explains how animals communicate through signals which can convey information about their fitness.