In class, we talked about the elements for an effective signal. Courting male pe

Question

In class, we talked about the elements for an effective signal. Courting male peacock spider

Describe the all of the components of this display. What modalities of communication might be in use (e.g. visual, etc.)? Write and explain hypotheses for the following questions:

a. What makes this signal conspicuous?

b. What information might the male be trying to convey to potential mates? How would you test for this?

c. What might ensure that these signals are reliable and honest?

d. Which hypotheses for intersexual selection and female mate choice might apply in this situation (and why or why not).

e. How might these hypotheses change if the male instead is signaling to another male in a potential intra-sexual conflict situation?

Explanation / Answer

Ans a.     These spider shows 2 type of visually distinct - rainbow-iridescent scales and velvet black scales with light spectrum they look more bright and colourful and it make peacock spider signal conspicuous.

Ans b. Male peacock spider displaying elaborate UV body markings that signal for female .And if the female is interested she will pay attention and if the female signalled her displeasure by waving their abdomen back and forth she is very clear that she is not interested.

Ans c. These Peacock spider use vibration or dancing to attract female spider. Its also observed that they get a signal as a reply from female spider too. When the male spider is sure that the female spider is watching him, he start showing his fan to conform that he wants to mate with her but if the female is not interested and she is ignoring it , the male spider will go back to his vibrating mode.

Ans d . Hypotheses for this kind of intersexual display could be because the female wants to mate with the male who is stronger and better performer ,this give them the assurance that the particular male may have good gene which will help her to produce better offspring .               

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