What is polyandry?

Polyandry refers specifically to a mating system in which one female has multiple male partners simultaneously. This social structure is thought to occur in certain species as a strategy to enhance reproductive success and genetic diversity. In polyandrous arrangements, the female may choose to mate with several males to ensure a greater variety of genes in her offspring or to secure resources more effectively, as different males may offer different benefits.

This distinguishes polyandry from other mating systems, such as polygyny, where one male mates with multiple females, or monogamy, which involves one male and one female forming a pair bond. Understanding these terms helps highlight the diversity of reproductive strategies in the animal kingdom.