In this topic of IBDP Biology, we will learn about Courtship Behaviour.

• Courtship is a pattern of behaviour used to attract a mate.
• It is a necessary precursor to successful mating.
• It is important for:
  • Species recognition;
    • Only members of the same species mate.
    • Results in the production of fertile offspring
  • Pair bond formation:
    • For successful mating.
    • Male and female of same species recognise each other as individuals and act in coordinated way.
    • Prolonged pari bonds assist in the raising of offspring.
    • This can be tempororay for one breeding season, or in some cases for life.
  • Synchronisation of breeding behaviour:
    • In most species, females only ovulate at specific times.
    • Signals indicate that she is entering oestrus.
    • Often the male will signal specific behavior to entice the female to mate.
    • The female will then signal that she is receptive.
    • Successful recognition of signals by both sexes increases the chances of fertilization.
  • Innate releaser mechanisms – filter out stimuli, which are irrelevant from those, which will produce the correct behavioural response.

• Sign stimuli:
  • Structural or colourfeul features:
    • Peacocks tails
    • Robin’s red breast.
• Territorial behaviour:
  • When it comes to IBDP Biology, the male defends a territory which contains fertile females.
  • This ensures that he gets to mate most.
• Construction of a nest or building a structural enticer:
  • Bower birds
  • Sticklebacks
• Courtship dances:
  • Sticklebacks
  • Peacocks
  • Pigeon
• Pheromones:
  • Chemical substances which smell.
  • Indicate sexual maturity
  • Attract mates and mark territories.
  • Volatile and disperse well
  • Trigger courtship
  • Advantages – recipient does not need to be in direct visual contact, operate in darkness, have effect for a long time and needed only in very low concentrations.

• When it comes to IBDP Biology, signals are species specific.
• Courtship becomes ritualised into a series of stereotyped behaviours.
• Some individuals may show slight variations that increase his chance of mating.
• This variation is passed on to future offspring.
• Displays become more prolonged or elaborate.

That's the end of this topic.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR IBDP BIOLOGY COURSES