Components of mating behavior in planktonic copepods

Successful mating behavior is essential to the survival of all sexually reproducing organisms. To explore the components of a successful mating interaction for planktonic copepods, mating behavior can be compared to predatory behavior using the “components of predation” framework of C.S. Holling. As the components of predation can be considered to include encounter, attack, capture and ingestion, analogously, mating behavior can be considered to include encounter, pursuit, capture and copulation. Each component of mating behavior involves recognition of mate characteristics mediated by the sensory perception of that species. Some signals can be detected remotely, while others require direct contact between potential mates. The probability of encounter between males and receptive females can be estimated based on information on density of adult copepods that are receptive to mating, their swimming speeds and the distances over which they can recognize one another. Based on limited data, it appears that encounter rates between males and receptive females may be quite low in some environments. Behavioral adaptations must exist to increase encounter rates; one potential mechanism is swarm formation. Once potential mates have encountered each other, they must determine if they are members of the same species and they are ready to mate. Copulatory behavior involves a precise sequence of movements influenced by chemical and mechanical signals from the potential mate.