12-Sexual_Selection

Sexual Reproduction

A form of reproduction involving the combination of genetic material from two parents, leading to increased variation.

Asexual Reproduction

A form of reproduction where offspring arise from a single organism, resulting in clones except for mutations.

Mitosis

A process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell.

Meiosis

A special type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the production of gametes.

Anisogamy

The production of different sized gametes by the sexes, leading to different reproductive strategies.

Sexual Selection

A mode of natural selection in which certain traits increase an individual's chance of attracting mates.

Intersexual Selection

Selection based on the preferences of one sex for certain characteristics in individuals of the opposite sex.

Intrasexual Selection

Competition among individuals of one sex for access to mates.

Fisherian Runaway

A process in sexual selection where a certain trait becomes excessive because it is preferred by the opposite sex.

Muller's Ratchet

The process by which the genomes of asexual populations accumulate deleterious mutations in an irreversible manner.

The Twofold Cost of Sex

The disadvantage that sexual reproduction can lead to fewer offspring than asexual reproduction.

Red Queen Hypothesis

The idea that organisms must constantly evolve to survive against co-evolving organisms.

Good Genes Hypothesis

The concept that individuals with certain traits display their genetic fitness, enhancing their attractiveness as mates.

Handicap Principle

The hypothesis that certain costly traits signal good health and genetic fitness.

Sensory Bias Hypothesis

The idea that preferences for certain traits may evolve based on their association with other benefits, such as food resources.

Recombination

The process by which genetic material is shuffled during sexual reproduction, creating new combinations of alleles.

Zygote

The fertilized egg that develops into a new organism, resulting from the fusion of haploid gametes.

Diploid

A cell or organism containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Haploid

A cell containing a single set of chromosomes, typically found in gametes.

Apomyxis

A form of asexual reproduction where seeds are produced without fertilization.

Automixis

A type of asexual reproduction that involves meiotic processes but leads to the production of diploid offspring.