Mate choice copying

Mate choice copying (or just 'mate copying') describes a non-independent mate choice event. Mate choice copying is said to occur when the likelihood that one individual (the 'observer' or 'focal individual') will mate with a particular individual (the 'target') increases or decreases based upon observing a sexual interaction between the 'target' and another individual. This is typically broken down into three steps: Mate choice copying (or just 'mate copying') describes a non-independent mate choice event. Mate choice copying is said to occur when the likelihood that one individual (the 'observer' or 'focal individual') will mate with a particular individual (the 'target') increases or decreases based upon observing a sexual interaction between the 'target' and another individual. This is typically broken down into three steps: