polygynous

Polygynous describes a mating system in which a single male mates with multiple females. It is a form of polygamy and is contrasted with polyandry, where a female mates with multiple males, and with promiscuity. In polygyny, the male often plays a dominant role in mating, while females may exercise choice, depending on the species and context.

Common forms include female defense polygyny, where a male defends access to several females; resource defense polygyny, where a male controls resources that attract females; and lek polygyny, where males display in a communal area and females choose mates from among them. The relative importance of these forms is shaped by ecological factors such as resource distribution and predation risk, as well as social structure.

Polygyny is widespread across animal taxa, especially in mammals and birds. It is associated with higher variance in male reproductive success and often with increased male-m competition and, in some species, greater sexual dimorphism. In humans, polygyny has occurred in many cultures and historical periods, often linked to social, economic, or religious practices; legal status and cultural norms influence its prevalence and form.

Ethical, demographic, and gender-equality considerations are part of contemporary discussions in human contexts. In research, polygyny is studied within evolutionary biology, anthropology, and behavioral ecology to understand how ecological conditions and mating strategies shape social organization.