Previous experiences shape adaptive mate preferences

Existing models of mate choice assume that individuals haveperfect knowledge of their own ability to attract a mate andcan adjust their preferences accordingly. However, real animalswill typically be uncertain of their own attractiveness. A potentiallyuseful source of information on this is the feedback from previousencounters with potential mates. Here, we develop a dynamicmodel of mutual mate choice in which both males and femalesare initially ignorant of their own attractiveness. Individualssequentially sample potential mates and retain some informationabout the outcome of these encounters (e.g., the number of timesthey are accepted or rejected). We use a simplified processof mutation and selection to evolve an adaptive strategy formate choice under these conditions. The stable strategy we findis the one in which individuals are sensitive to this previousexperience, adjusting their mate preferences according to theinterest received from members of the opposite sex. In general,experiences of rejection tend to reduce choosiness, whereasexperiences of acceptance tend to increase it. Sensitivity toprevious experiences allows individuals to exercise a prudentmate-choice strategy in which their preferences are graduallytuned to their prospects on the mating market. This flexibilityis based on simple rules and does not require sophisticatedcognitive abilities. Our basic predictions can be tested insystems where both males and females are choosy, and it is possibleto manipulate the level of interest shown by potential mates.