Mate choice as an information gathering process under time constraint: implications for behaviour and signal design

Abstract

Abstract. Time is an important component of the cost of mate choice. The time available for mate assessment varies across and within populations and species of birds, and other taxa. If mate choice is a result of information gathering about the quality of potential mates, then selection should act to maximize the information gathering of choosers within the prevailing time constraints. A model of mate choice under time constraint is presented and the implications of this for the evolution of sexual ornamentation, displays and mate-change behaviour are discussed. When time for mate assessment is extremely brief information has to be obtained on the quality of prospective mates using cues that are virtually instantly assessable. When this time constraint is relaxed choice can be made on characters assessable over longer periods. Different kinds of characters vary in the information they contain and the time it takes to assess that information. Simple fixed characters are easily (cheaply) and quickly assessable, while complex fixed or facultative characters take longer to assess. When time is constrained mate quality can be improved via extra-pair copulations, while in the longer term mate-switching and divorce are possible. A set of predictions concerning the relationships between assessment time, mate choice behaviour and sexual ornamentation are presented in the light of the above arguments.