Chapter 52.4, Problem 2R

Summary Introduction

To review:

The cost and benefit analysis of male Cichlid fishes with two different phenotypes.

Introduction:

The male Cichlid fishes defend their territories in order to get habitat, food, and a mate for reproduction. The energy spent on territorial behavior should not outweigh the benefits. Territorial behavior needs more energetic cost as most of the time is spent to defend from other males for territory. It also increases the chances of predation, i.e., the risk cost is high and less time is spent on other activities, which increases opportunity cost.