Which statement accurately describes monogamy in mating systems?

Which statement accurately describes monogamy in mating systems?

• A. One male mates with one or a limited number of females, often forming pair bonds for a breeding season.
• B. One male with multiple females.
• C. One female with multiple males.
• D. Males display in a lek.

Answer: (A)

Monogamy means an individual pairs with a single mate (or with a very limited number) for a breeding season or longer, often forming a pair bond and sharing parental care. The statement captures this exclusivity and bonding: one male mates with one or a limited number of females, often forming pair bonds for a breeding season. The other ideas describe different mating patterns—one male with multiple females is polygyny, one female with multiple males is polyandry, and a lek involves males displaying to attract females rather than forming lasting pair bonds. In practice, social monogamy can occur with occasional extra-pair mating, but the core description aligns with exclusive or near-exclusive pairing for reproduction.

Monogamy means an individual pairs with a single mate (or with a very limited number) for a breeding season or longer, often forming a pair bond and sharing parental care. The statement captures this exclusivity and bonding: one male mates with one or a limited number of females, often forming pair bonds for a breeding season. The other ideas describe different mating patterns—one male with multiple females is polygyny, one female with multiple males is polyandry, and a lek involves males displaying to attract females rather than forming lasting pair bonds. In practice, social monogamy can occur with occasional extra-pair mating, but the core description aligns with exclusive or near-exclusive pairing for reproduction.