Chapter 31, Problem 38A

Summary Introduction

To identify:

The size of male that uses the mating strategy, that involves fighting with an alpha-sized male until one isopod wins.

Introduction:

Paracerceis sculpta is a member of kingdom arthropoda and belongs to order isopoda. Paracerceis sculpta are marines in nature. Male are polymorphic in Paracerceis sculpta and exists in three forms alpha, beta and gamma of different sizes. Alpha males are largest in size and most dominant among all three.

Explanation of Solution

Gamma-sized male uses the mating strategy that involves avoiding alpha-sized males and hiding in a sponge to mate with a female. Gamma-sized males are smallest in size and they are incapable of fighting with alpha male. They mimic the juvenile stage which helps them to escape without detecting. Gamma males invest the most energy in their testes.

Conclusion

Mating strategy that involves avoiding the alpha-sized males and hiding in a sponge to mate with a female is used by gamma-sized male because of their small size and they are incapable to fight with alpha male.