What term describes a mating system where one male mates with several females?

The term that describes a mating system where one male mates with several females is polygyny. In this system, a single male has exclusive mating rights with multiple females, allowing for the potential to increase his genetic contribution to the next generation through multiple offspring. This reproductive strategy is observed in various animal species, where the male may exhibit behaviors or characteristics that enhance his attractiveness to females or help him control access to them.

Monogamy refers to a mating system where one male and one female form a pair bond and mate exclusively with each other, which is quite different from polygyny. Polyandry, on the other hand, is the mating system where one female mates with multiple males. Lastly, promiscuity involves both males and females mating with multiple partners without forming lasting pair bonds, making it distinct from the defined mating structure of polygyny. Therefore, polygyny specifically highlights the relationship in which one male has multiple female partners.