[Campbell Biology P.1199] According to the passage on Mating Systems and Parental Care, what ... | Practice Question

According to the passage on Mating Systems and Parental Care, what are the primary factors that influence the evolution of different mating systems in birds and mammals?

  • A: Availability of nesting sites and the size of the offspring.
  • B: The need for continuous food supply for the young and the certainty of paternity.
  • C: The intelligence of the parents and the prevalence of predators.
  • D: The overall body size of the species and migration patterns.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states two primary factors influencing mating systems: 'The needs of the young are an important factor constraining the evolution of mating systems' specifically mentioning the need for a large, continuous food supply for newly hatched birds and 'Another factor influencing mating behavior and parental care is certainty of paternity'. These two aspects drive the trade-offs that favor monogamy when male help ensures more viable offspring or polygyny when males can maximize reproductive success by seeking other mates, and young are more independent and influence male investment in parental care.