How is a monogamous breeding system characterized?

A monogamous breeding system is characterized by one female breeding exclusively with one male. This means that in this system, the pairing is typically stable and one-to-one, which can lead to a more coordinated approach to reproduction, raising of young, and territorial advantages for both parents.

In such a system, both the male and female may share responsibilities in caring for their offspring, which can improve survival rates. Monogamy is often observed in species where parental investment from both sexes is crucial for the nurturing of the young.

The other options describe different breeding systems. For example, having one male mate with multiple females is indicative of a polygamous system, more specifically a polygynous system. Several males mating with one female suggests a polyandrous structure, and many females breeding with many males characterizes a promiscuous arrangement. Each of these alternatives highlights different reproductive strategies and social structures within animal populations, underscoring the distinct nature of a monogamous system.