Question

In: Biology

11. You have discovered a new species of vampire bat in South America (which you have...

11. You have discovered a new species of vampire bat in South America (which you have named Desmodus knoxensis!), and you wish to answer several questions about its behavior.

a) Based on your observations over a few years, you conclude that the mating system in D. knoxensis is lek polygyny. What sorts of observations and behaviors do you record in males and females over the years to reach this conclusion? (6 points)

b) In D. knoxensis, males have long, heavy flaps of fluorescent bare skin (purple and yellow, of course) that dangle from their wings as they fly. Suggest ONE hypothesis for this sexually selected trait and provide an explanation. (6 points)

Solutions

Expert Solution

11.

a) lek polygyny is a mating system that has the following observations and behaviors record in males and females over the years to reach this conclusion

  • This mating system common in polygyny species where consists of an aggregation of males where each is seeking to attract females. then the female visits this lek and select her mate.
  • Males show no parental care to their offsprings.
  • Males typically perform sexual displays.
  • Male mate with more than one female but they don't have emotional attachments. they don't mate for life and take so many other partners.
  • less genetic diversity as only one male mate with many females.
  • increased fitness and reproductive success of the male.

b ) In D. knoxensis, males have long, heavy flaps of fluorescent bare skin (purple and yellow, of course) that dangle from their wings as they fly.

  • They have these features to attract females as a sexual display.
  • females are attracted to long heavy flaps of fluorescent bare skin in male and according to this, she selects her mate.

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