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It's Not about Him: Mismeasuring 'Good Genes' in Sexual Selection
Angela M Achorn1, Gil G Rosenthal2
1Department of Anthropology, Texas A&M University, 4352 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4352, USA.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|December 21, 2019
Summary
The "good genes" hypothesis for elaborate animal ornamentation is insufficient. Research suggests that mate choice and ornamentation evolution involve more than just offspring viability benefits for the chooser.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Animal Behavior
- Sexual Selection
Background:
- The prevailing "good genes" hypothesis posits that elaborate animal ornamentation signals genetic quality.
- Mate preferences evolve because attractive mates provide additive genetic benefits via offspring viability, enhancing chooser fitness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the "good genes" hypothesis for the evolution of sexual ornamentation.
- To explore alternative explanations for mate choice beyond offspring viability.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on animal ornamentation and mate choice.
- Analysis of assumptions and methodologies in "good genes" research.
- Examination of fitness outcomes for choosers.
Main Results:
- Many "good genes" studies lack direct measurement of mating preferences or offspring viability.
- Studies often fail to differentiate between additive and nonadditive genetic benefits.
- Benefits to choosers are frequently inferred from signal costs to signalers, not direct fitness outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The "good genes" hypothesis alone is insufficient to explain the evolution of mate choice and sexual ornamentation.
- Focusing solely on offspring viability overlooks other factors influencing mating preferences and ornamentation.
- Further research is needed to incorporate a broader range of fitness outcomes for choosers.
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