2006-11-05 22:57:31 · 6 answers · asked by JiLlIaN P 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
For a very comprehensive answer to your question check out this link http://www.uvm.edu/~dstratto/bcor102/LionsMane.pdf#search='Why%20do%20lions%20have%20a%20mane'
In summary it says that the function of a mane is not protection whilst fighting as proposed by Charles darwin, but that the mane is an indication to females and other males of a males 'fitness'. It is a sexually selected trait. The bigger and darker a mane is the more atrractive it is to females, and the more 'intimidating' it is to males. Big, dark manes are very energetically costly ( heat stress) and are thus a true indication of a lions fitness.
2006-11-07 05:26:32 · answer #1 · answered by canislupus 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Male lions have a mane much in the same way male peacocks have large bright feathers. During the mating season, the females will instinctively choose the most powerful male lion from the pride to mate with. Generally, that lion would be the alpha male of the pride, however, a younger lion with a fuller mane might be more appealing to a receptive female lion for mating. So basically, you could say male lions have manes so that they can attract females to procreate. Same kind of reason men spend hundreds of bucks on clothes, shoes, and grooming products--we all just want the ladies to notice us.
2006-11-06 07:12:48 · answer #2 · answered by engelnicht95662 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
oh please! dont bring ur God into this! if God is Responsible for everything, then i've gotta few questions for him my self...!
Getting to ur question, its like this, all animal species have their male and female genders, and in every species, nature has intergrated differentiating properties into both the male and females. each of these properties will act as an attraction to the opposite sex, as well as performing other biological functions.
so, the lion has his mane to attract other lionesses. another interesting fact is that, the bigger the mane, the more the attraction. the lion with the biggest mane will also be the Alpha Male in that pack.
2006-11-06 07:14:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
lions have a mane, because it makes them more sexy to female lions. QED
2006-11-06 07:15:15 · answer #4 · answered by bubble snout 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That the way God made them.The same reason why humand don't have wings. It is God's intention that it be that way.
2006-11-06 07:00:32 · answer #5 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes the males do not the feamles thats how u can tell them apart when they are older.
2006-11-06 13:04:24 · answer #6 · answered by shea90510 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋