module 10 discussion
I assume something like this mating pattern seen in Microphis deocata evolved due to advantages that gives offspring when females are the ones courting the males. This is a pretty abnormal scenario in a natural population, as it is usually the males courting the females. In this species of pipefish, the males are the ones who carry the fertilized eggs, which the male will fertilize in the females belly. The female then deposits them into the male's pouch, who will then carry them until they hatch. Since the males who are the ones carrying the eggs, it makes sense that the females would be the ones courting them. This is the same pattern we see when it is the females who bear the children or carry the eggs.
Hi Ashley. I agree with you that the roles here between male and female pipefish are reversed; the male pipefish spend more energy and use more resources in the process of producing offspring than the females, thus the female pipefish expend more energy in the courting process of their male counterparts. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that that is a good reason why the females have a more distinct coloration. Since the females put less effort into the actual reproduction process they are the ones that would be looking for the males. This way the males are using their energy caring for the young as well as looking and competing for mates.
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