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To start off, yes, the trait needs to provide a reproductive fitness benefit. The problem is runaway sexual selection [1]. The textbook example of that being th
by klmr 8y ago
To start off, yes, the trait needs to provide a reproductive fitness benefit. The problem is runaway sexual selection [1]. The textbook example of that being the peacock plumage, which is subject to strong sexual selection, yet is a detriment to overall fitness (see link for more details).
[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherian_runaway#Peacocks_and_sexual_dimorphism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherian_runaway#Peacocks_and...
- posterboy 8y agoPlumage is mimicri and so on. The eye like patterns can scare and emulate size. The e tail does fiegn size and does not fall into the general visual bird pattern.