Assortative mating by size without a size-based preference: the female-sooner norm as a mate-guarding criterion

摘要: The study of size-assortative mating, or homogamy, is great importance in speciation and sexual selection. However, the proximate mechanisms that lead to such patterns are poorly understood. Homogamy often thought come from a directional preference for larger mates. many constraints affect mating preferences understanding causes size assortment requires precise evaluation pair formation mechanism. Mate-guarding crustaceans model group homogamy. Males guard females until moult reproduction. They also unable hold female during their own tend with closer moulting than them. Using theoretical approach, we tested potential arise state-dependent male decision rule. Consistent previous experimental observations, found pattern strengthened male–male competition over females. This rule, which call female-sooner norm, may be major cause homogamy mate-guarding crustaceans. highlights not based on body size. It emphasizes considering processes when studying link between order avoid inferential fallacies.