a procedure wherein females mate with many males but decide specifically which male's sperm will be the one to fertilize their eggs, hiding such choices from the males. This procedure permits females more control over mate preference.

Cite this page: N., Pam M.S., "CRYPTIC FEMALE CHOICE," in PsychologyDictionary.org, April 7, 2013, https://psychologydictionary.org/cryptic-female-choice/ (accessed September 25, 2020).