Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


ucin1217964666.pdf (353 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

The role of context and comparative evaluation in female mate choice decisions of Schizocosa ocreata Hentz

Galbraith, Emily Logan
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1217964666

Abstract Details

2008, MS, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences : Biological Sciences.
This research examined how female Schizocosa ocreata wolf spiders evaluate complex and conflicting information in mate choice. In one study, spiders showed hierarchical preference for single male traits as magnitude increased, but when traits were co-varied, preference patterns differed based on pairing of males. This suggests that females use comparative evaluation, assessing males relatively rather than using fixed scores. In a second study, context effects were tested by adding an alternative to a choice set such that one of the original choices asymmetrically dominated the new option. Preference for particular individuals subsequently varied based on the traits of all males present, suggesting that female preference differs with context, depending on male number and relative quality. Both studies indicate that choice context and comparative evaluation are present in this species. These studies are likely the first to test for such effects in mate choice using theories from economics and animal foraging.
George Uetz, PhD (Committee Chair)
Elke Buschbeck, PhD (Committee Member)
David Clark, PhD (Committee Member)
90 p.
Biology; Zoology
decision making; mate choice; animal cognition

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Galbraith, E. L. (2008). The role of context and comparative evaluation in female mate choice decisions of Schizocosa ocreata Hentz [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1217964666

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Galbraith, Emily. The role of context and comparative evaluation in female mate choice decisions of Schizocosa ocreata Hentz. 2008. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1217964666.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Galbraith, Emily. "The role of context and comparative evaluation in female mate choice decisions of Schizocosa ocreata Hentz." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1217964666

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1217964666
466
© 2008, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.