Scent marking mate choice

Some information (e.g. reproductive state) appears to be contained solely within the chemical matrix of certain marks, particularly within the stable genital secretions. Thus, longer-lasting signals may be broadcast to any animal that comes in contact with labial or scrotal marks. Such a scenario seems particularly applicable to females that scent mark most frequently prior to the onset of estrus cycles, but nonetheless when their sex steroids are on the rise (Drea 2007). Such advertisement may encourage male immigration at a time that would maximize the opportunity of female mate choice, even if the mechanism of, or criteria for, selection remain obscure. 

While all of these qualitative differences in odor cues provide information about animals that might influence mate choice, here we consider how odors can provide reliable information specifically about the competitive ability of potential mates. This involves not only the quality of an animal s odor but also its competitive scent-marking behavior. 

Huck, U. W., Lisk, R.E., Gore, A.C. 1985. Scent marking and mate choice in the golden hamster. Physiol. Behav., 35, 389-393. 

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