How do maturation times differ between male and female *A. seemanni* reflecting distinct sexual selection pressures?

Answer

Males mature rapidly, often within one to two years, while females take significantly longer, sometimes four to eight years.

The life history strategy of *A. seemanni* exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in developmental timing, driven by differing selective pressures on each sex. Males are subject to intense pressure to mature quickly—often within one to two years—so they can locate mates before succumbing to predation or environmental hardships prevalent on the dangerous forest floor. In contrast, females adopt a strategy of longevity and slow growth, requiring four to eight years to reach sexual maturity. This protracted maturation allows females to invest resources into slow, sturdy growth, maximizing their reproductive output across many subsequent seasons rather than prioritizing immediate mating.

How do maturation times differ between male and female *A. seemanni* reflecting distinct sexual selection pressures?

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