North American Red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) males arrive at cattail marshes before females each spring. They actively defend areas of the marsh as individual territories. Females choose a territory (and its male) as a place to breed and build a nest. If a male has a high-quality territory, he can form pair bonds with multiple females. Nests are vulnerable to attack from raccoons and other animals. Predation of the eggs and nestlings has a serious impact on reproductive success. Nests that are concealed among the cattails and suspended over water are less vulnerable to predation. Which type of mating system do Red-winged blackbirds have?

Question

Biology

Barbara Baker

2 May, 06:13

North American Red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) males arrive at cattail marshes before females each spring. They actively defend areas of the marsh as individual territories. Females choose a territory (and its male) as a place to breed and build a nest. If a male has a high-quality territory, he can form pair bonds with multiple females. Nests are vulnerable to attack from raccoons and other animals. Predation of the eggs and nestlings has a serious impact on reproductive success. Nests that are concealed among the cattails and suspended over water are less vulnerable to predation. Which type of mating system do Red-winged blackbirds have?

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Answers (1)

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Demarcus Harrington · Answer 1

The mating system Red-winged blackbirds have is Territorial Polygyny

Explanation:

Males Red-winged blackbirds arrive before females, select nesting places and defend the territory where 5 to 15 females can establish nesting areas.

Males attract females for nesting by vocalizations and postures, and also having large territories with enough resources for living.

Females accepts the male and his territory and then starts building the nest.

On this type of polygyny, the association between the male and several females occurs on the male's territory.