mate selection
the choice of an appropriate partner for reproduction. In species where female parental investment is high, females are thought to be more careful in their choice of mates than males. However, in species where parental contribution to survival of offspring is more nearly equal, mate selection is shown by both sexes. Mate selection may be based on (a) behavioral traits, such as the ability to defend a territory or to be dominant over others; (b) exaggerated signals of quality, such as bright tail plumage in the peacock; or (c) evaluations made during courtship. In species where females are smaller than males, females may mate with several males, either selectively keeping the sperm of only one or two or mating with the most dominant male at the time closest to possible conception (see cryptic female choice; sexual aggression). See also sexual selection. Compare random mating.