male-male competition

Through sexual selection, some species of animals may compete with each other for the chance of reproduction. This can be seen in various ways but one category is through male-male competition

One type of male-male competition is seen through combat between the male species. This is where the individual directly fights for the females. This can be seen in zebras. Zebras are grouped into harems where there is one dominant male with as many as 6 females and their foals in the group. It has been observed that they engage in combat each other for females and will even go as far as stealing females from one another.The fights between males can be very intense and can possibly end in death. The males will to bite the others neck and legs and the fights between them can last for long periods of time.

Another type of male-male competition is exhibited through sperm competition. This has been observed in stink or shield bugs. These insects will have a prolonged copulation period that prevents other males from inseminating the female until either she becomes non-receptive to mate with other male or until she lays the eggs fertilized by the “guarding” male.

The overall goal in any type of male-male competition is to be able to successfully reproduce with a female to be able to pass on their genetic material. This can be observed with the male fighting each other directly with each other or indirectly by sperm competition.