Question 1

Based on the graph showing variance in reproductive success (RS) for males and females, which statement best explains why sexual selection is typically stronger in males?

Accepted Answer

Males have a higher variance in reproductive success than females, leading to greater competition for mates.

Question 2

In rough-skinned newts (Taricha granulosa), what is the primary factor limiting female reproductive success?

Accepted Answer

The survival of her offspring, which depends on her parental investment.

Question 3

Refer to the bar graphs comparing mating and reproductive success in males and females. What do these graphs suggest about the relationship between number of mates and reproductive success in males?

Accepted Answer

Males with more mates tend to have higher reproductive success.

Question 4

The scatterplot of number of offspring versus number of mates for rough-skinned newts shows a steeper slope for males than females. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Male reproductive success is more strongly dependent on the number of mates than female reproductive success.

Question 5

In broad-nosed pipefish (Syngnathus typhle), which sex is more likely to compete for mates, and why?

Accepted Answer

Females, because males invest more in parental care and are a limiting resource.

Question 6

Which equation best represents the relationship between variance in reproductive success for males ($$\$$sigma^2$$_m) $$and females ($$\$$sigma^2$$_f) in $$most sexually reproducing species?

Accepted Answer

$$\$$sigma^2$$_m \u003e \$$sigma^2$$_f$$

Question 7

In lek breeding systems, what is a typical outcome for male reproductive success?

Accepted Answer

A few males achieve most of the matings, while many males have little or no reproductive success.

Question 8

The 'sexy-sons hypothesis' is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Females choose mates with traits that will make their sons attractive to future mates.

Question 9

In the stalk-eyed fly (Cytodiopsis whitei), what is the evolutionary explanation for the development of long eye stalks in males?

Accepted Answer

Long eye stalks are favored by female choice, leading to runaway sexual selection.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the concept of parental investment?

Accepted Answer

The energy and time required to produce gametes and care for offspring.

Question 11

In lizards with orange, blue, and yellow throat morphs, what is the predicted outcome of competition among morphs according to the 'rock-paper-scissors' model?

Accepted Answer

Each morph has an advantage over one morph and a disadvantage against another, leading to cyclical dominance.

Question 12

Which scenario best illustrates female-female competition in sexual selection?

Accepted Answer

Females competing for access to breeding territories in lek systems.

Question 13

A male bird with longer tail feathers has lower body condition over time compared to a control male. What does this suggest about the cost of sexually selected traits?

Accepted Answer

Sexually selected traits can be costly to maintain, potentially reducing survival.

Question 14

Which formula best represents the relationship between reproductive success ($$RS$$), number of mates ($$n$$), and average offspring per mate ($$o) $$for males?

Accepted Answer

$$RS = n 	imes o$$

Question 15

In the context of sexual selection, what is the main reason why males often evolve traits that are attractive to females but costly to survival?

Accepted Answer

Attractive traits increase male reproductive success by attracting more mates.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a typical reproductive strategy observed in males of many animal species?

Accepted Answer

Exclusive parental care without mating

Question 17

In the context of alternative male mating strategies, what is the significance of posthumous fertilization?

Accepted Answer

It allows males to fertilize eggs after they have died, increasing their reproductive success.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the relationship between heritability and the frequency of orange-throated males in lizard populations?

Accepted Answer

High heritability of orange throat coloration can lead to cyclical changes in morph frequency over generations.

Question 19

Which scenario would most likely result in group selection maximizing the fitness of the group?

Accepted Answer

Mating systems evolve to maximize the reproductive success of the entire group.

Lec 29

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