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(Ischnura elegans) mating. In biology, mating is the pairing of either opposite-sex or hermaphroditic organisms for the purposes of sexual reproduction. Fertilization is the fusion of two gametes. [1] Copulation is the union of the sex organs of two sexually reproducing animals for insemination and subsequent internal fertilization. [2]
Many animal species have specific mating (or breeding) periods e.g. (seasonal breeding) so that offspring are born or hatch at an optimal time. In marine species with limited mobility and external fertilisation like corals , sea urchins and clams , the timing of the common spawning is the only externally visible form of sexual behaviour.
In zoology, copulation is animal sexual behavior in which a male introduces sperm into the female's body, especially directly into her reproductive tract. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] This is an aspect of mating . Many aquatic animals use external fertilization , whereas internal fertilization may have developed from a need to maintain gametes in a liquid ...
Sexual coercion among animals is the use of violence, threats, harassment, and other tactics to help them forcefully copulate. [1] Such behavior has been compared to sexual assault , including rape , among humans.
Mating is preceded by a courtship/pairing period in many animal mating systems. It is during this period that sexually mature animals select their partners for reproduction. [53] This courtship period, which involves displays to attract a mate by a member of a species, is usually short, lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to a few days.
Mate guarding is a typical tactic in monogamous species. [13] [15] [17] It is present in many animal species and can sometimes be expressed in lieu of parental care by males. This may be for many reasons, including paternity assurance. [16] [17]
Sexual mimicry is also used as a mate-guarding strategy by some species. Mate-guarding is a process in which a member of a species prevents another member of the same species from mating with their partner. Mate-guarding is seen in Cotesia rubecula, a parasitic wasp from the family Braconidae whose mating system is polygynous. Males are ...
A mating system is a way in which a group is structured in relation to sexual behaviour. The precise meaning depends upon the context. With respect to animals, the term describes which males and females mate under which circumstances.