4.5.1 Courtship

Courtship Behaviour

Courtship behaviour is a set of behaviours displayed before mating that help ensure reproductive success. It allows individuals to:

1. Recognise Members of Their Own Species

• Prevents interbreeding, ensuring offspring are fertile and viable.

2. Synchronise Mating

• Ensures that mating occurs when both individuals are ready to reproduce (e.g., at peak fertility).

3. Form a Pair Bond

• Strengthens the relationship between individuals, which can improve the likelihood of successful mating and raising offspring.

4. Assess the Fitness of a Mate

• Displays during courtship can indicate the health and genetic quality of a potential mate.

5. Enable Breeding

• Prepares individuals physiologically for reproduction by triggering the release of reproductive hormones.

Examples of Courtship Behaviour

• Birds: Many birds perform elaborate dances or sing specific songs to attract mates (e.g., the peacock displaying its tail feathers).
• Insects: Some insects, such as crickets, produce courtship sounds or vibrations.
• Fish: Male fish may construct nests or perform specific swimming patterns.

Importance in Species Recognition

Courtship behaviour is species-specific. Members of the same species share physical, biochemical, and behavioural traits, ensuring that courtship signals are recognised only by individuals of the same species. This is key for preventing wasted reproductive efforts.