Adaptive dynamics of discriminate and indiscriminate mating

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ID: 329871
2026
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Abstract
Abstract Same-sex sexual behavior (SSB) occurs across many animal taxa. Some instances of SSB likely arise from animals’ mating indiscriminately and/or with imperfect assessment of their partner’s sex. Selection on indiscriminate mating strategies depends on the costs and benefits of mating and the distinguishability of sexes–which in turn depend on evolvable signals of sex. Other factors like population density (which determines the rate of encountering potential mates) and investment roles (i.e., which sex invests more in reproduction) are likely relevant to the evolution of same-sex and different-sex mating, but there is no consensus as to the direction of these effects. We develop a new model of adaptive coevolution of sexual signaling and discrimination, explicitly incorporating encounter rate, mating costs, and investment roles. Coevolutionary dynamics typically lead to two alternative equilibria: one with no sexual signals and indiscriminate mating; the other with high-quality signaling and exclusively different-sex mating. Low-density conditions favor indiscriminate strategies, due to the steep opportunity costs of missing a possible mate. High density can favor either discriminate or indiscriminate strategies, depending on investment roles. By providing theoretical predictions for the effects of encounter rate and investment roles, our model bridges gaps between theoretical and empirical work on SSB.
Reference Key
openalex_W7214488299 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Benjamin Allen, Samantha E. Rothberg, Brian A. Lerch
Journal international journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/evolut/qpag177
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/evolut/qpag177
Keywords Keywords not found

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