FEMALE MATE CHOICE IN NONHUMAN MAMMALS

摘要: Until now definite studies of mate choice have typically focused on non-mammal animal species where short life spans and gestation periods make reproductive success quicker to determine, in which the females show preferences for clearly defined morphological or behavioural male traits. Mammals, are invariably larger, longer inter-birth intervals behaviourally more complex, less suited this type experimentation. However, notwithstanding these difficulties, many been conducted mammals current literature reveals that several mammal do appear choose their mates, through potentially gain important direct indirect fitness benefits. Here I review body work reveal majority female so far, particularly large mammals, fail to: 1) determine actual phenotypic trait(s) preference (which is crucial identifying characteristics under sexual selection); 2) take into account other environmental social factors may affect responses signals, as well intrinsic such hormonal state breeding status; 3) quantify benefits discriminating females. go give suggestions future research emphasise need a combination carefully designed experimental field studies. Experimental setups allow us isolate specific traits from aspects phenotype, control competing mating strategies behaviour. Field observations behaviour can then be whether reported using translate copulations natural conditions, hence individuals. Only integrative approach will an appreciation how inter-sexual selection generated