Study Questions - Sexual Selection
Readings - chapter 11
1. Large size can be adaptive for the sex favored to acquire MORE mates and the sex limited energetically. So, in many insects, large female size is adaptive (even larger than the male), even if she only mates once (no selection for mate acquisition). In contrast, in other species the male is larger - usually because large size increases the likelyhood of mate acquisition. Provide an explanation for each pattern.
2. What are some of the direct benefits to females that may correlate with variation in male morphology or behavior, and would select for females that choose the most beneficial males?
3. An 'indirect benefit' that males provide is to donate good genes. Describe Moeller's experiment showing that plumage may signal parasite resistance.
4. Why might symmetry suggest good genes?
5. What is the basic logic of the 'handicap theory'?
6. How can mate selection create a 'runaway' positive feedback loop - even for traits that really signal nothing?