DOI
10.22191/BUUJ/10/2/3
Faculty Sponsor
Lindsey Swierk
Abstract
Sexual selection plays a crucial role in shaping reproductive strategies. We investigated the influence of sex ratio and male proximity on female acceptance of mates in wood frogs (Rana sylvatica). We hypothesized that females at a more even sex ratio would exhibit higher acceptance of males due to reduced male competition when compared to females at a more male-skewed sex ratio. Using digital video analysis of mating trials (n = 39), we quantified male proximity to females and female acceptance of males at two sex ratios – 1:4 (F:M) and 1:7. Males at a 1:4 sex ratio maintained greater distances from females during amplexus attempts than those at a 1:7 sex ratio. However, no significant effect of male proximity or sex ratio on female acceptance during amplexus attempts was observed. This suggests that factors beyond sex ratio and male proximity, such as female preferences for specific male traits, may drive mating patterns, if female choice exists at all in these “scramble” R. sylvatica mating aggregations. These findings increase our understanding of sexual selection in scramble breeding amphibians and suggest further research into the possible factors influencing female mate choice.
Recommended Citation
Kabbaj, A., Bousaid, L., Lowney, G., & Swierk, L. (2025). Female Acceptance of Mates Is Consistent Across Different Sex Ratios and Male Proximities in Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) Breeding Aggregations. Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.22191/BUUJ/10/2/3
