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Sexual selection is a subset of natural selection that is strictly " concerned " with reproductive success. You will see organisms adapted in physiology and behavior to attract mates of the other sex with these adaptions contravening survival possibilities. Take the classic peacock example. The peacock is selected by the peahen on the basis of his tail display regardless of how such a heavy and survival risking adaption leaves the peacock open to predation. Remember, fitness is reproductive fitness and if the peacock can father most of the progeny of his local population at mating time because his tail attracts more females then what matter if he dies young.

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How does the process of natural selection differ from sexual selection in shaping the evolution of species?

Natural selection and sexual selection are both mechanisms that drive evolution, but they differ in how they shape species. Natural selection is based on survival and reproduction, where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and pass on their genes. Sexual selection, on the other hand, is based on traits that increase an individual's chances of mating, such as elaborate displays or physical characteristics. While natural selection focuses on survival, sexual selection focuses on reproductive success and mate choice.


How do natural selection and sexual selection differ in their roles in shaping the evolution of species?

Natural selection and sexual selection are both mechanisms of evolution, but they differ in how they shape species. Natural selection acts on traits that affect an organism's survival and ability to reproduce in its environment, leading to adaptations that increase survival and reproduction. Sexual selection, on the other hand, acts on traits that affect an organism's ability to attract mates and reproduce, leading to the development of traits that enhance mating success. In summary, natural selection primarily influences survival and reproductive success in the environment, while sexual selection primarily influences mating success and reproductive opportunities.


How does sexual selection differ from natural selection in shaping the evolution of species?

Sexual selection and natural selection are both mechanisms that drive evolution, but they differ in their focus. Natural selection acts on traits that increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction in its environment, while sexual selection specifically targets traits that enhance an individual's ability to attract mates and reproduce. This can lead to the evolution of characteristics that may not necessarily improve survival, but increase reproductive success.


What are other evolutionary mechanisms besides natural selection?

Other evolutionary mechanisms besides natural selection include genetic drift, gene flow, mutation, and sexual selection. Genetic drift is the random change in allele frequencies in a population. Gene flow refers to the transfer of genes between populations. Mutation introduces new genetic variation, and sexual selection drives evolutionary change through mate choice and competition for mates.


What is the significance of sexual dimorphism in the study of evolutionary biology?

Sexual dimorphism, or differences in physical characteristics between males and females of a species, is significant in evolutionary biology because it can provide insights into the evolutionary history and behavior of a species. These differences can help researchers understand how natural selection has shaped the traits of males and females differently, often in response to different reproductive roles and strategies. By studying sexual dimorphism, scientists can gain a better understanding of how species have evolved and adapted to their environments over time.

Related Questions

What is the difference between sexual and natural selection?

Natural selection is survival of the fittest, while sexual selection is a preference for a given trait made by the limiting sex. It is strangely, but usually in opposition to natural selection (E.G., male peacock's tail feathers that garner attention from predators and prevent the peacock from fleeing well).


What kind of selections occurs in many birds when males that build strong nests help care for young are chosen by females as mates?

This is called, sexual selection.


How does the process of natural selection differ from sexual selection in shaping the evolution of species?

Natural selection and sexual selection are both mechanisms that drive evolution, but they differ in how they shape species. Natural selection is based on survival and reproduction, where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and pass on their genes. Sexual selection, on the other hand, is based on traits that increase an individual's chances of mating, such as elaborate displays or physical characteristics. While natural selection focuses on survival, sexual selection focuses on reproductive success and mate choice.


How has God made a peacock special?

Natural Selection and Sexual Selection has made a peacock 'special'.


Can you have evolution without natural selection?

Of course you can. Google genetic drift and gene flow for two evolutionary drivers ( weak drivers ) that have nothing to do with natural selection. Then there is that subsection of natural selection called sexual selection.


How is sexual dimorphism caused?

Sexual dimorphism is caused primarily by differences in genetic and hormonal influences between males and females of a species. These influences lead to the development of distinct physical traits, such as size, coloration, and morphology, that are often associated with reproductive roles. Natural selection and sexual selection also play crucial roles, as traits that enhance mating success or survival may become more pronounced in one sex over time. Environmental factors can further shape these differences, leading to variations across species.


How do natural selection and sexual selection differ in their roles in shaping the evolution of species?

Natural selection and sexual selection are both mechanisms of evolution, but they differ in how they shape species. Natural selection acts on traits that affect an organism's survival and ability to reproduce in its environment, leading to adaptations that increase survival and reproduction. Sexual selection, on the other hand, acts on traits that affect an organism's ability to attract mates and reproduce, leading to the development of traits that enhance mating success. In summary, natural selection primarily influences survival and reproductive success in the environment, while sexual selection primarily influences mating success and reproductive opportunities.


How does sexual selection differ from natural selection in shaping the evolution of species?

Sexual selection and natural selection are both mechanisms that drive evolution, but they differ in their focus. Natural selection acts on traits that increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction in its environment, while sexual selection specifically targets traits that enhance an individual's ability to attract mates and reproduce. This can lead to the evolution of characteristics that may not necessarily improve survival, but increase reproductive success.


What are the influences of evolution?

genetic drift, gene flow, mutation, natural selection and nonrandom mating ( sexual selection ).


Why is phenotype variation necessary for natural selection and sexual selection?

Phenotype variation is necessary for natural selection and sexual selection because it provides the raw material for evolution to act upon. Variation allows for individuals within a population to have different traits, which may offer advantages in survival, reproduction, or mate selection. Without phenotype variation, there would be no diversity for natural selection and sexual selection to operate on, thereby limiting the potential for adaptation and species diversification.


What are other evolutionary mechanisms besides natural selection?

Other evolutionary mechanisms besides natural selection include genetic drift, gene flow, mutation, and sexual selection. Genetic drift is the random change in allele frequencies in a population. Gene flow refers to the transfer of genes between populations. Mutation introduces new genetic variation, and sexual selection drives evolutionary change through mate choice and competition for mates.


What are four forces that can change the frequency of genes in a population?

- natural selection - sexual selection - genetic drift - immigration/emagration