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Amplifiers and the handicap principle in sexual selection: a different emphasis
1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721.
Summary
Male display traits can evolve through female choice, even indirectly. Rare displays that amplify existing viability cues in males can become fixed, especially when linked to higher male fitness.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Population Genetics
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Female choice is a known driver of male trait evolution.
- Existing models often assume male display is the direct target of female preference.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a genetic model where male display evolves indirectly via female choice.
- To explore conditions under which male displays, not directly chosen, can evolve.
Main Methods:
- Developed an explicit genetic model of sexual selection.
- Simulated the evolution of male display traits based on female preference for viability cues.
Main Results:
- Male displays can evolve if they amplify pre-existing differences in male viability.
- Amplifying displays increase mating success for viable males, leading to their fixation.
- Genetic association between display and viability alleles facilitates evolution.
Conclusions:
- Male display evolution can occur indirectly through female preference for viability indicators.
- Amplifying displays enhance female discrimination and can evolve to fixation under specific conditions.
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