Each year our knowledge across the spectrum of species is increased, and the patterns take shape. Some species, like Canada geese, are relatively monogamous, often remaining with the same mate for life. Male wild donkeys may keep a harem of females and physically prevent younger males from mating with them. The timing of mating also varies among species. Most frogs breed at night.
Most birds breed during the day.
Zebras breed year round. Garter snakes mate in the spring. Timber rattlers look for mates in the fall. One challenge for ecologists is to collect information about when, where, and how mating occurs, and then find out if and how parental care is expressed. These ecological voyeurs try to determine the social structure of animal populations and unravel the complexities and relationships among individuals.