Editing Mating system (section)

{{Short description|System of sexual reproduction in a population}}
{{More citations needed|date=April 2007}}
A '''mating system''' is a way in which a group is structured in relation to sexual behaviour. The precise meaning depends upon the context. With respect to [[animals]], the term describes which males and females [[mating|mate]] under which circumstances. Recognised systems include [[Monogamy in animals|monogamy]], [[Animal sexual behaviour#Polygamy|polygamy]] (which includes [[Polygyny in animals|polygyny]], [[Polyandry in animals|polyandry]], and [[polygynandry]]), and [[Promiscuity#Other animals|promiscuity]], all of which lead to different [[mate choice]] outcomes and thus these systems affect how [[sexual selection]] works in the species which practice them. In plants, the term refers to the degree and circumstances of [[outcrossing]]. In human [[sociobiology]], the terms have been extended to encompass the formation of relationships such as [[marriage]].