Fotolia
Courtship is the first step to successful mating and in most, though not all, species it is the female that chooses a male. The female may respond to any one of a range of courtship behaviours shown by the male — such as building a strong and secure nest, or defending an area or territory that will provide a good food supply for the young — or to the male’s attractive plumage and displays. Choosing a mate with the best nest or longest tail feathers is how animals try to ensure they are passing on the best genes to their offspring (see Box 1).
Courtship
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