Archived Abstracts
Exploration of Male Mate Choice in Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki)
Location
Room 232, Schewel Hall
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Entry Number
73
Start Date
4-8-2020 1:45 PM
End Date
4-8-2020 2:00 PM
Department
Animal Science
Abstract
The purpose of this experiment is to examine and determine the effect of the presence of the gravidity spot in females. Female mosquitofish have gravidity spots, which are located near the anal fin, develop when gravid. Males tend to be more sexually aggressive when interacting with gravid females. This study was conducted to find out if males spent more time around females with or without gravidity spots. The null hypothesis is that the presence or absence of the gravidity spot in females affects male interaction. The prediction is that males will interact and spend more time with females with gravidity spots. The experiment was a correlation and manipulative test of male fish response. Male activity was monitored for five minutes in an experimental tank containing two smaller and separate containers, one with a female with a gravidity spot and one without. The results showed that there is no statistically significant difference between sexual male aggression towards females with versus without a gravidity spot.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Kari Benson
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Exploration of Male Mate Choice in Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki)
Room 232, Schewel Hall
The purpose of this experiment is to examine and determine the effect of the presence of the gravidity spot in females. Female mosquitofish have gravidity spots, which are located near the anal fin, develop when gravid. Males tend to be more sexually aggressive when interacting with gravid females. This study was conducted to find out if males spent more time around females with or without gravidity spots. The null hypothesis is that the presence or absence of the gravidity spot in females affects male interaction. The prediction is that males will interact and spend more time with females with gravidity spots. The experiment was a correlation and manipulative test of male fish response. Male activity was monitored for five minutes in an experimental tank containing two smaller and separate containers, one with a female with a gravidity spot and one without. The results showed that there is no statistically significant difference between sexual male aggression towards females with versus without a gravidity spot.