Sexual Selection in Frogs

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Sexual selection in Frogs (Anurans) Sexual selection is the process in which organisms compete to mate. Sexual selection has important implications for natural selection because the basis of natural selection is fitness or the ability of an organism to reproduce. The ability to mate is what guarantees an organism the passing of his genetic information to his offspring and insures that his genetic information is carried through future generations. Sexual selection therefore leads to secondary sexual characteristics that are a result of selection pressure when males compete. Different organisms have unique mechanisms when it comes to sexual selection, some species have combat (giraffe necking), some have extravagant ornamentation (peacock feathers), and some have complex courtship rituals (bees dancing). Anuran or frog sexual selection relies heavily on calling or signaling. Calling occurs when males frequently make sounds to attract females. Different species females have different preferences in their mate’s call. Studies have also shown that dichromatism may also be used in Anurans for sexual selection. The selection pressure has allowed Anurans to develop dimorphisms between males and females. Sex role reversal and polyandry will also be discussed. Important Reference: An extensive amount of information about Anuran calling and communication has been reviewed in “The behavioral ecology of anuran communication” by Kentwood D. Wells and Joshua J. Schwartz (K. Wells & Schwartz, 2007). This organizes much information from auditory research on Anurans and discusses the different types of calls as well as their function in the Anuran community. The section of calling in this Wikipedia article has used this paper as its main source of information. Vocal Sexual Signals: Calling Male frogs share a common goal to outperform other males and to win over females
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