FEMALE MATE CHOICE CONSEQUENCES IN MATING SYSTEM OF ALBINO MICE MUS MUSCULUS

Good genes models of mate choice predict additive genetic benefits of choice whereas the compatibility hypothesis predicts nonadditive fitness benefits. Here it was investigated female mate choice in the mating system of albino mice Mus musculus. It was conducting a controlled mating choice experiment whereby females were free to choose among two males that could not physically interact and female visiting rate and duration used to measure mate choice. In addition, mate choice test coupled with a cross-classified breeding design were used to study offspring fitness of preferred and non-preferred males. Females showed a significant difference in male preference. The survival and weight of offspring to independence was significantly correlated with female mate preferences. A lack of strong congruence in female preference for males suggested a role for compatibility in mate choice. Moreover, It is suggested that male genetic benefits which might be compatibility is most likely detected by odour cues but still need more studies