It is essential for successful mating and species recognition
What is a species?
A group of similar organisms that can breed to produce fertile offspring.
What are courtship rituals?
A sequence of actions which is unique to each species, this is how animals identify members of their own species to reproduce with.
most courtship rituals are performed by males.
females observe the courtship rituals and decide if they want to mate with the male.
Studying courtship rituals.
The more similar a courtship sequence is between different species, the most closely related a species are.
What is the importance of courtship?
To ensure successful reproduction-enables them to recognise their own species and opposite sex, synchronises mating behaviour and indicates sexually mature and in season(releasing egg)
To ensure survival of the offspring-form a pair bond and choose a strong and healthy mate
