Dominant male and female mate choice behaviour in albino mice Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758
Abstract
Y.A. Saleh*, M.M. Agbali, M. Salem and K.A. Saad
Two main mechanisms of sexual selection are recognized, intrasexual selection typically involves male–male competition and Intersexual selection involves some aspect of mate choice, usually by females. Here it was investigated the effect of male dominance trait on female mate choice in the mating system of albino mice Mus musculus. Mating experiment was conducted using males of known dominance rank whereby females were able to choose among males that could see and smell each other, but could not directly interact. The results showed that measured male trait chase rate, lunge rate and aggression rate were correlated with dominant male. However, male courtship rate was not related with dominant male as well as female preferences did not correspond with male dominance. The results of this study suggested a potential intersexual conflict. Further studies are necessary in order to understand female mate choice benefits and the relative role of both mechanisms of sexual selection in albino mice mating system.