Courtship Behaviour

(Pages 186 - 187)

Courtship behaviour

Discuss…• Courtship behaviour is……..?– Why it is important?– What is its purpose?– Can you think of any examples?

Courtship Behaviour – Learning objectives

• Give an example of courtship behaviour

• Describe the purpose of courtship behaviour

• Explain how courtship behaviour ensures successful mating.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7QZnwKqopo

• Remember, animals do not

have human thoughts!

Questions/Research1. What is a species? (1 mark)2. What is the purpose/importance of courtship

within a species? (3 marks)3. Choose an animal and describe its courtship

rituals/behaviour. Be prepared to feed this information back to the class later!

You have a maximum of 30 minutes on the laptops. If you finish early, collect a sheet from the front desk and have a go at the questions.

What is a species?

• A group of similar organisms that can breed together to produce fertile offspring

KeywordsSimilarFertile

Courtship behaviour

• Ensures successful reproduction as it allows individuals to:

– Recognise members of the same species– Identify a mate that is capable of breeding– Form a pair bond– Syncronise mating

Recognising members of the same species

• To ensure that mating occurs only between members of the same species

• Only members of the same species will produce fertile offspring

Discussion: What can you remember about the mule?

Identifying a mate that is capable of breeding

• Both partners need to be sexually mature, fertile and receptive to mating.

Forming a pair bond • Leading to successful mating and raising of

offspring.

Discussion: Does anybody know why courtship in swans is almost unique amongst birds?

Synchronisation of mating • Ensuring that mating occurs when there is the

maximum probability of the sperm and egg meeting.

Discussion: Why are pandas unusual amongst mammals?

Examples…

Mallard Courtship

1. So that each can recognise its own species2. 5 species3. Similar sequence (one different element)4. Duck F, least similar sequence5. A) may be a different species, may not be sexually

mature, may not be at fertile stage of cycleB) will not result in successful reproduction,

Needs to find another female who may be receptive, essential for species survival.

Courtship Behaviour – Learning objectives

• Give an example of courtship behaviour

• Describe the purpose of courtship behaviour

• Explain how courtship behaviour ensures successful mating.