Life: The Science of Biology 11th Edition

Published by W. H. Freeman
ISBN 10: 1-31901-016-4
ISBN 13: 978-1-31901-016-4

Chapter 52 - Animal Behavior - 52.6 - Social Interactions Shape the Evolution of Behavior - 52.6 Recap - Learning Outcomes - Page 1138: 1

Answer

For many animal species such as elephant seals, reproductive success can be maximized if a single male impregnated multiple females. This is because while females invest time, resources and energy into their offspring, males can produce a much larger supply of sperm. Because of this, polygamous and polyandrous relationships may develop based on the gender ratio and sexual symmetry of the population.

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