Do male Trinidadian guppies adjust their alternative mating tactics in the presence of a rival male audience

摘要: Males in polygamous mating systems may inadvertently transmit information regarding their preferences to bystanding sexual competitors, thereby permitting bystanders use this enhance own success by copying the mate choice of signallers. If males are at risk having copied and consequently face a higher competition, then selection should favour that reduce conspicuous behaviours presence an audience competitors. In current study, we used Trinidadian guppy (Poecilia reticulata), species exhibits alternative male tactics, test competition avoidance hypothesis predictions would decrease overall effort exhibit fewer courtship displays relative more inconspicuous sneak attempts either one or two rivals compared absence any audience. Male guppies significantly reduced increasing numbers rival males. This was reflected similar monotonic decreases frequencies proportional (relative attempts) across treatments. These findings consistent with hypothesis. Our novel results contribute body knowledge showing social environment can influence decisions individuals thus have important implications for evolution.