Female Cope's gray treefrogs struggle to identify the most desirable mates when large numbers of males compete for their attention, according to a study published Aug. 12 in the journal iScience. During mating season, females gather near ponds to listen to males calling in loud choruses, but the abundance of options appears to interfere with their selection process.
The researchers characterized the problem as "choice overload," a phenomenon that may influence how these species evolve over time. The findings suggest that the overwhelming number of mating calls makes it difficult for females to assess and choose among potential partners.
