Mate sampling influences the intensity of sexual selection and the evolution of costly sexual ornaments. (14th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Muniz, Danilo G.; Machado, Glauco
• Is Part Of: Journal of theoretical biology. Volume 447(2018)
• Page Start: 74
• Page End: 83
• Publication Date: 2018-06-14
• Subjects: Agent-based model -- Epigamic trait -- Imates -- Information filtering -- Natural selection -- Preference function -- Selection gradient -- Sexually selected trait; Biology -- Periodicals; Biological Science Disciplines -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biologie -- Périodiques; Theoretische biologie; Biology; Periodicals; 571.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2018.03.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-5193

Abstract

Highlights: During mate choice, females access a restricted sample from the available males. This mate sampling can influence mating decisions and thus sexual selection. In computer simulations, increased mate sampling intensified sexual selection. In an empirical dataset, we observed a pattern consistent with simulation results. We conclude that mate sampling is a crucial process modulating sexual selection. Abstract: Mate choice includes three steps: (1) a choosing individual encounters potential mates, (2) assesses and processes information about them, and (3) makes a mate decision. During mate searching females can access only a sample of males in the mating pool and need to choose their mates based on limited information. Thus, mate sampling may influence sexual selection promoted by mate choice because it constrains female choice. Using individual-based simulations, we found that both female choosiness and mate sampling influenced the variance in mating success among males and thus the intensity of sexual selection. So that sexual selection is most intense when females are strongly choosy and can sample many males. Moreover, in evolutionary simulations, the rate of evolutionary change and the final size of male ornament increase with increasing mate sampling. However, under stronger natural selection, evolutionary change is slower and leads to smaller ornaments. Empirical data on the potential for sexual selection ( Is ) for several animal species show a positive correlation between the intensity of sexual selection and an index of mate sampling based on behavioral and ecological traits. Based on the results of our simulations, we predict that males of highly mobile species with long-range sexual signal transmission, which allow females to assess many males, will show greater variance in mating success and will be more ornamented than their relatives not exhibiting these features.