What is sexual selection?
Q: What is sexual selection?
A: Sexual selection is a special kind of natural selection that explains certain traits through competition within a species.
Q: How did Charles Darwin define sexual selection?
A: Charles Darwin defined sexual selection as the struggle between individuals of one sex, usually males, for the possession of the other sex.
Q: What are secondary sexual characteristics?
A: Secondary sexual characteristics are traits selected by male combat, such as horns and antlers.
Q: What are ornaments in the context of sexual selection?
A: Ornaments are traits selected by mate choice and are exaggerated features of morphology.
Q: Do females prefer males with external ornaments in sexual selection?
A: Yes, females often prefer to mate with males that have external ornaments.
Q: What is the 'good genes' hypothesis in sexual selection?
A: The 'good genes' hypothesis suggests that genes that enable males to develop impressive ornaments or fighting ability may simply show greater disease resistance or a more efficient metabolism.
Q: What is the importance of studying sexual selection according to one author?
A: According to one author, studies on sexual selection have something important to tell us, namely "how males and females came to be what they are".
