Frequencies of alternative mating strategies influence female mate preference in the swordtail Xiphophorus multilineatus (original) (raw)

Variation in female mate preferences can significantly influence sexual selection dynamics in species, affecting male mating strategies. Through experiments with Xiphophorus multilineatus, it was found that female preferences for male courters versus sneakers are dependent on the frequency of encountering each type of male. Larger samples of sneaker males resulted in weaker preferences for courter males, suggesting negative frequency-dependent selection. Findings indicate that female experience and the social context play crucial roles in shaping mate preferences, which may have broader implications for understanding sexual selection and maintaining genetic diversity in populations.