Understanding Sexual Selection in Animal Behavior

Sexual Selection

Process where traits increase mating success

Male-male competition

Competition among males for mating opportunities

Female choice

Selection of mates by females based on certain traits

Animal Model System

Using animals to study biological principles

Naturalistic Fallacy

Belief that what is natural is good or inevitable

Proximate vs Ultimate Explanations

Immediate vs evolutionary reasons for behavior

Genetic Determinism

Belief that behavior is solely influenced by genes

Differential Reproduction

Outcome of natural selection where some leave more offspring

Reproductive Success

Number of offspring an individual has, evolutionary success

Proximate Causation

Immediate triggers for behavior

Ultimate Causation

Concerns reproductive success, evolutionary reasons

Biological Determinism

Belief that biology overrides environmental influences

Evolutionary Theory

Predicts few differences between males and females

Survival Traits

Traits necessary for survival in both males and females

Callouses

Formed due to repeated skin rubbing, a result of adaptive problem from environmental friction

Sex Differences

Predominantly found in mating and reproduction domains

Dimorphic

Human bodies exhibit limited, less pronounced differences than typically perceived

Sexual Reproduction

Involves male and female body forms combining genetic material

Secondary Sexual Characteristics

Traits differing between sexes, not essential for reproduction

Intrasexual Competition

Competition within one sex, often male-male competition

Intersexual Selection

Selection based on mate choice, often female choice

Evolution

Change in gene frequencies over time in a population

Female Choice

Females selecting mates based on certain traits or displays

Ornaments

Features or displays enhancing attractiveness, result of sexual selection

Weapons

Traits or size used in competition, result of sexual selection

Courtship Rituals

Behaviors or displays males use to attract females, sexually selected

Honest Signals

Exaggerated displays indicating good health, reflecting good genes

Good Genes Hypothesis

Exaggerated displays may indicate good health, leading to better offspring health

Intrasexual Competition vs. Intersexual Selection

Males compete within their sex, while females choose mates based on traits