Monogamy

Monogamy: As previously mentioned, sexual selection is most intense in polygamous relationships as seen in leks and due to these intense pressures this is seen in less than 10% of all avian species. The alternative, monogamy, revolves around a bonded pairing of individuals that cooperate to copulate and raise their young as this is occasionally essential for the offspring to survive.. Males typically hunt, defend their territory and even assist with incubation in some scenarios and the females will determine the viability of their partner based on these efforts. Once formed, the duration of these bonds can vary with some relationships lasting only for the breeding season and other lasting for life. Despite the superficial appearance of monogamy, there are frequent episodes of “extra-pair copulation” by females who willingly accept advances from other males. On average, only 14% of the offspring in a nest are the offspring of the tending father. This is done by females to ensure variability and viability of their young and males participate in this behavior so as to pass on their genetics as frequently as possible.