Luijckx, F. (2017) Anthropogenic influences on mating behaviour. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.
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Abstract
Human behaviour has influenced the environment for the last centuries. The effect this has on mating behaviour has been studied only in several cases, even though mating behaviour stands at the basis of population dynamics in sexually reproductive species. In this review, I re-examine some of the studies which have been done to date on the impact of anthropogenic influences on mating behaviour. This impact may affect mate searching behaviour, so that individuals have a harder time finding a mate. It may also influence the assessment of a mate, for example by affecting the perception of signals individuals use to show their fitness. Finally, this impact may affect the decision on which is the best mate. This can be because the alteration of the environment may cause different mates to become indistinguishable from one another or because of a change in mate preference. I discuss the long term effects that these changes may have on species, focusing on the possible effects of increased hybridisation rate on species persistence and divergence. There are several studies which state that there is a negative impact on biodiversity due to hybrids, but there are also studies which suggest a possible positive influence of hybrids on speciation. I argue for a better understanding of the mechanisms by which hybridisation may influence populations so that we may make better predictions of species persistence and divergence. And so that we may mitigate the negative effects and possibly enlarge the positive effects.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Biology |
| Thesis type: | Bachelor's Thesis |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 15 Feb 2018 08:26 |
| Last Modified: | 15 Feb 2018 08:26 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/14912 |
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