Biology / Unit 8 Bio 1779 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Sexual Selection and Sexual Dimorphism
Captions available
The idea
Sexual selection favors traits that increase mating success rather than survival; acting unevenly on the sexes, it produces sexual dimorphism, visible physical difference.
In practice
A peacock's elaborate tail, favored by female choice despite reducing escape speed from predators, shows sexual selection producing dimorphism.
Where people slip
A sexually selected trait can reduce survival while increasing mating success — the two fitness contributions are not the same.
Your place on the trail
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