4.5.1

Courtship Behaviour

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Courtship Behaviour

Species are defined as two organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. Courtship behaviour is an important factor to consider when classifying species.

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Mating

  • Organisms within the same species can mate to produce fertile offspring.
  • It is important that organisms only breed with individuals of the same species so that they can pass their genes to their offspring.
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Identifying mates

  • Potential mates of the same species can be identified through courtship behaviours.
  • Courtship behaviours are complex displays that help an individual attract a mate.
    • E.g. The male superb bird of paradise spreads its wing and dances to attract a female.
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Species-specific

  • Courtship behaviours are useful when classifying species because they are species-specific.
    • Individuals of the same species will do the same courtship behaviour.
    • Only individuals within the same species will respond to the courtship behaviour.
    • And so, courtship behaviours are a useful tool for classifying species.
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E.g. Peacocks

  • Peacocks have beautiful patterns on their tails.
  • The peacocks display their tails to females (peahens) to attract a mate.
  • Only male peacocks have this specific pattern on the tail and only female peahens will respond to this pattern.

Jump to other topics

1Biological Molecules

2Cells

3Substance Exchange

4Genetic Information & Variation

5Energy Transfers (A2 only)

6Responding to Change (A2 only)

7Genetics & Ecosystems (A2 only)

8The Control of Gene Expression (A2 only)

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