Mate choice copying as public information

Citation
Se. Nordell et Tj. Valone, Mate choice copying as public information, ECOL LETT, 1(2), 1998, pp. 74-76
Citations number
15
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Environment/Ecology
Journal title
ECOLOGY LETTERS
ISSN journal
1461-023X → ACNP
Volume
1
Issue
2
Year of publication
1998
Pages
74 - 76
Database
ISI
SICI code
1461-023X(199809)1:2<74:MCCAPI>2.0.ZU;2-R
Abstract
We outline a framework that views mate choice copying as public information . In this framework, all individuals assess the quality of potential mates. Individuals can benefit by copying when they cannot discriminate differenc es in potential mates, as copying can result in better discrimination. This framework predicts that the discrimination ability of individuals will str ongly determine the frequency of copying behaviour observed: individuals wi th poor discrimination ability should often copy, whereas individuals with superior discrimination ability should rarely copy. Copying behaviour may o ccur in a wide variety of taxa but only be observed when individuals are pr esented with difficult discrimination tasks.