Stanford University conducted a study on female African cichlid fish that showed females prefer males that win fights verses those that lose. The setup for the study consisted of an aquarium split into three see-through compartments. The female was placed in the center and a male was placed on either side. The female would show mating behavior towards one male suggesting that she selected that particular male. The two males were put in the same compartment where they engage in aggressive fighting behavior with one another. After the fight ended, scientists dissected the female’s brains.
Scientists found a significant difference in brain activity of females when the preferred male won and when the preferred male lost. When a female witnessed her preferred mate lose a fight, her brain showed signs of anxiety. When a female witnessed her preferred mate win a fight, her brain showed increased activity in the area associated with reproduction and pleasure.
Since the females were killed in order to look at their brains, there is no way of knowing if the females would still prefer a male that lost or if they would switch to the male that won. More research on this behavior is needed.
Biologists suggest that this behavior is also found in humans although it may be subconscious. Failure in any competitive situation including losing a game, failing to get a promotion, and physical violence may lead to loss of interest for both males and females.
Posted by: Sara Weaver
Wow that's a really cool study. It would be extremely interesting if scientists could find a way to look at the female brain functions without killing them. I am really curious to see what happens next and if the female chooses the male she preferred even if he lost.
ReplyDeleteAbbie Lamarre-DeJesus
I know! This study definitely leaves room for more research. I am also curious to see how this effects the females mate choice.
ReplyDeleteSara Weaver