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Question
Biology
Posted 6 months ago
In many species, males with bright, showy, or elaborate phenotypes have higher fitness. What have evolutionary models taught us about this pattern?
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Answer from Sia
Posted 6 months ago
Answer
Evolutionary models have provided insights into why males with bright, showy, or elaborate phenotypes often have higher fitness in many species.
Solution
a
Sexual Selection: This is a form of natural selection where individuals with certain traits are more likely to obtain mates and reproduce. Bright and elaborate phenotypes can be advantageous in attracting mates
b
Handicap Principle: Proposed by Amotz Zahavi, this principle suggests that only males with superior genetics can afford the cost of producing and maintaining elaborate traits, thus signaling their fitness to potential mates
c
Fisherian Runaway: This model, proposed by Ronald Fisher, explains that a preference for certain traits can become genetically linked with the traits themselves, leading to a positive feedback loop where both the trait and the preference for the trait become more pronounced over generations
Key Concept
Sexual Selection
Explanation
Sexual selection is a key evolutionary mechanism that explains why males with bright, showy, or elaborate phenotypes often have higher fitness. These traits can enhance mating success, either through attracting more mates or by intimidating rivals.

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