Powef of seduction

On Valentine’s Day, many humans will give each other flowers, chocolate, jewelry, etc., and will spend some quality time one-on-one. But how do animals court one another?

Some species also bring gifts to seduce their partners. For instance, male chimpanzees steal fruits from villages adjacent to their habitat to offer them to females of reproductive age.

Though perhaps a tad less romantic but just as efficient, males from a species of midge will present a juicy prey to the females. While the ladies are busy feasting on their delicious gift, the males get busy, period.

Some seabirds will bring fish to their sweethearts while seagulls will regurgitate the last fish they ate for their lady-loves. With those gifts, they also show their talent as fishermen and their ability to feed the little ones.

Another part of the animal courting ritual that resembles human seduction concerns the home. Generally speaking, a man bringing his date back to a beautiful condominium will have a greater shot at seducing her than if he welcomes her in a dingy apartment…

Well, the female of a bird species will closely inspect the nest built by her male counterpart. If the nest is to her liking, she will lay an egg. If she really loves the place, she will sit on the egg. Otherwise, she will fly off to greener pastures, leaving the male responsible for the eggs.

But that is not a typical case of courting. In many bird species, females build the nest, and in a few others, males and females build it together.

It’s indeed the case most of the time. Males and females both see reproduction in a much different light. Males seek quantity to transmit their DNA to as many offspring as possible, while females aim for quality to give their babies the best chance of survival. For that reason, the male will try to prove that he’s a partner of choice.

Females will often prefer older and more experienced males. They are more agile and control a greater territory (and a greater territory means more food sources). In some species like the chimpanzees, males will choose older females because they are more experienced at being mothers. It’s worth noting that female chimpanzees do not go through menopause. It’s worth noting that female chimpanzees do not go through menopause.

Yes. For example, gibbons, an ape species, are monogamous and faithful, and enjoy relatively equal male-female relationships. Swans generally mate for life, which is why, in addition to being known for their gracefulness, they are also a common symbol of love. Just like in the human world.

Diversity is also a reality in the wild. For instance, 10% of black swan couples are made up of 2 males. They will find a way to breed with a female, and then drive her out to raise their young together.

For some animals, there is also a social pressure on staying monogamous. Black vultures will get attacked by a group of their fellow vultures if they are caught cheating.

You will never find an angelfish swimming alone. They live, travel, and hunt in couples until one of them die. They form a true team and will defend their territory against other pairs of angelfish.

Prairie voles, who look like groundhogs, are typically monogamous and form bonds that can last a lifetime. They cuddle, share responsibilities in raising their young, and generally support one another.

* Peter B. Gray, Shelly L. Volsche, Justin R. Garcia et Helen E. Fisher (2015). The Roles of Pet Dogs and Cats in Human Courtship and Dating, [En ligne], Anthrozoös. [tandfonline .com]