Blog Post Module 10
When evolution and mating come to mind, my brain immediately goes to the male trying to impress the female and the female having the ability to choose a male mate. However, this is not always the case, as displayed in the video of the Microphis deocata, where female courtship is actually taking place.
In the video, it appears almost appears as if the female is leading a dance and the male is nonchalantly following her lead. The staggering coloration and size of the female pipefish's body is what seems to me to be the factor that leads to the decision to mate by the male. In addition, I could see the way in which the female "dances" around the male playing a role in this decision as well. Those are the two most significant female biological characteristics that enable the dazzling array of courtship for the male.
On the other hand, one might ask, "What is the evolutionary purpose behind this role-reversal in this species of pipefish?". My mind immediately focuses on fitness and offspring. Obviously this dance as well as her external characteristics improves the fitness of the female in some way or else she would not be performing it. Upon further investigation, I found that the males in this species are actually the ones that give birth to the offspring. This role reversal essentially causes sexual selection to operate more strongly on females and as a result, the females of this species evolve more rapidly and drastically.
Considering these facts and data I have just presented, here is my hypothesis:
Female courtship behavior in the pipefish species Microphis deocata has evolved as a result of the male being the one who becomes pregnant. Evidence to support this hypothesis include the mating "dance" of the females as well as more colorful, alluring characteristics on their bodies. These changes are due to sexual selection acting on the females in this species more strongly and rapidly because they are the ones competing for mates, while the males are the ones that choose.
Hi Casey,
ReplyDeleteIt is so interesting how some species do the exact opposite of what we would expect! There are only some species that have the male give birth like seahorses and pipefish. One has to wonder who certain evolutionary changes happened. Were the males better at protecting babies? There are many different things to consider but they are very interesting species. Overall, I agreed with your post and we had very similar hypothesis. It would be interesting to know why everything happens and how mutations have contributed to these changes. Overall, great job!
Hi Casey, I agree with your assessment and I liked how you set up your post with an original thoughts upon seeing the video, an explanation of your thought process and then your official hypothesis. It was a very thorough and thoughtful and scientific approach to answering this modules blog post.
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you described the courtship dance as dazzling, it made me laugh! You gave this blog post a fresh spin with your description and I like the detail in your hypothesis. Sexual selection is just crazy!
ReplyDeleteHi Casey,
ReplyDeleteyour presentation of the facts and data beautifully supports your hypotheses. it makes sense why sexual selection acts on the females in this species. Nice presentation. Good luck