How does paternity influences the development of mating system?

Answer 1

How certain males are of paternity greatly influences a species mating system. The greater the certainty the more likely the species is to be monogamous.

Answer 2

Paternity certainty can influence mating systems by affecting the level of male investment in offspring. In species where paternity is certain, males may invest more in parental care, leading to monogamous or biparental care systems. In contrast, in species with uncertain paternity, males may invest less, leading to polygamous or promiscuous mating systems.