Open AccessA Comparative Study of Mating Strategies in Two Species of Philanthus (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)
Author(s) -
Howard E. Evans
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
annual report
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2693-2407
pISSN - 2693-2385
DOI - 10.13001/uwnpsrc.1979.2141
Subject(s) - sphecidae , mating , hymenoptera , sexual selection , biology , competition (biology) , offspring , zoology , selection (genetic algorithm) , parental investment , evolutionary biology , ecology , genetics , pregnancy , computer science , artificial intelligence
In the majority of animals, most or all of both pre- and post-zygotic parental investment is contributed by the female of the species. Thus, the females and their ability to invest in offspring represent a limited resource, which must be procured by a male if he is to reproduce successfully. It is on this basis that sexual selection theory predicts that there will be intense competition among males for access to sexually receptive females.