Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biological Sciences
Committee Chair
Zachary Culumber
Committee Member
Matthew Niemiller
Committee Member
Molly Morris
Research Advisor
Zachary Culumber
Subject(s)
Poeciliidae--Sexual behavior, Sexual selection, Courtship in animals
Abstract
Reproduction is energetically costly, making condition (i.e., energetic state) a potential factor in shaping reproductive behavior. However, its role in male mate choice remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigate condition-dependent effects on male mate choice in two species of Poeciliids: one coercive species (Gambusia affinis) and one courting species (Xiphophorus hellerii). Diet treatments were used to manipulate male and female conditions, and male preferences were assessed in dichotomous-choice tests using animated female stimuli. X. hellerii males showed a preference for high-condition females, whereas G. affinis males showed no overall net preference. Diet influenced preference in G. affinis, with high-fed males preferring the low-condition female, while no diet effect was observed in X. hellerii. These findings demonstrate species differences and diet-dependent variation in male mate choice, suggesting that recent nutritional experience may influence mating decisions.
Recommended Citation
Taylor, Katherine E., "Effects of energetic state on male mating preferences in Poeciliid fishes with differing mating strategies" (2026). Theses. 855.
https://louis.uah.edu/uah-theses/855