a second proposed model for the maintenance of alternative mating behaviours is status-dependent selection. this describes a conditional strategy in which the fitness of alternative phenotypes depend on the status, or competitive ability, of an individual. status includes environmental and genetic factors as well as age and size, and determines the level of fitness that may be obtained from a given phenotype. as shown in figure 1, the fitness benefits of a given phenotype vary based on whether an individual is of high or low status. in a case where two phenotypes and strategies are possible, such as mate guarding or sneaking, there will be an intermediate point of intersection where the fitness gained from these alternative behaviours will be equivalent. at this point (s), the fitness gained from these strategies will be equal, and the particular strategy employed at a given time will depend on an individual's status. a low status individual below the switch point will obtain higher fitness with phenotype b, while an individual of high status above the switch point will benefit from higher fitness with phenotype a. such a model shows how individuals of lesser status or competitive ability may maximize their fitness by exhibiting an alternative phenotype. in this manner, these selective forces will maintain the phenotypic diversity observed among animals with respect to mating behaviour, though strategies utilized will depend on a variety of circumstances.