while the majority of the research into the interactions that lead to alternative mating strategies has a focus on male to male competition, the interaction between males and females also plays a significant role in the mating strategy used (see sexual selection). female assessment of the males (see female mate choice) plays a role in the number of males opting to use an alternative mating technique. females are likely to not choose to mate with males of a lower quality, so these males will have to adopt alternative mating techniques in order to mate. the ability of the female to assess possible mates also plays a role in the frequency of alternative mating strategies. if a female is unable to assess and choose mates accurately, for example due to time constraints or assessment costs, then males of a lower quality are more likely to be chosen. while if the females have lots of time and resources available to them, allowing them to accurately choose males, then the lower quality males are unlikely to be chosen and so will have to adopt alternative mating techniques.