Table 1 Simplified characterization of mating systems (monogamous, polygynous, promiscuous; see text for full definitions), spawning mode (pair spawning or group spawning), sperm competition (classified as low or high) and gonadosomatic index, GSI (classified as low or high) for each sexual system (G = Gonochorism; PA = Protandry; PG = Protogyny). In bold: most common type.
Sexual System | Mating System | Spawning mode | Sperm competition | GSI | Prediction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PG | Harem polygyny | Pair | Low | Low | Low |
Lek polygyny | Pair | Low | Low | ||
Promiscuous large groups* | Group | High | High | ||
PA | Monogamy | Pair | Low | Low | Low |
Random pair mating | Pair | Low | Low | ||
Promiscuous small groups | Small group | Low | Low | ||
Promiscuous large groups** | Group | High | High | ||
G | Promiscuous large groups | Group | High | High | High |
Monogamy (size assortative mating) | Pair | Low | Low | ||
Monogamy (random pair mating) | Pair | Low | Low |
