Courtship (AQA A Level Biology): Revision Note

Courtship

• Organisms belong to the same species if they interbreed in their natural habitat to produce fertile offspring

• The process of successful interbreeding or mating is preceded by some form of courtship behaviour

  • Courtship in animals is a behaviour that eventually results in mating and reproduction

  • It can be a very simple process that involves a small number of visual, chemical or auditory stimuli

  • It can also be a highly complex sequence of acts by two or more individuals, who are using several modes of communication

    • Many birds of paradise have intricate and impressive courtship rituals

• Courtship can play a major role in species recognition

Photo courtesy of Bob Brewer via Unsplash

Example: Drosophila (fruit fly)

• Fruit fly species in the genus Drosophila are hard to distinguish by appearance, but each has a unique, genetically controlled courtship ritual

• Males perform species-specific "dances" involving wing vibrations, body movements, and licking

• Females only respond to the correct sequence and signal disinterest through specific behaviours that the male recognises