The Eco-Evolutionary Dynamics of Sexual Traits That Increase Mate Encounter Rates

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Quantitative Genetics
• Ecology

Background:

• Sexual selection typically explains mating success variation via mate competition.
• Absolute mate limitation, due to factors like low encounter rates, is less explored.
• Sexual traits can evolve in the limiting sex under absolute mate scarcity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To model the evolution of costly sexual traits under absolute mate limitation.
• To investigate the role of population dynamics in trait elaboration.
• To identify conditions favoring trait evolution when mates are absolutely scarce.

Main Methods:

• Developed a quantitative genetic model.
• Simulated a costly trait increasing mate encounter rates in the limiting sex.
• Analyzed eco-evolutionary dynamics and trait equilibrium.

Main Results:

• Sexual selection favors trait elaboration if increased reproduction outweighs increased mortality.
• Trait evolution depends on population dynamics influenced by the trait itself.
• Eco-evolutionary dynamics lead to a single, stable equilibrium for the sexual trait.

Conclusions:

• Absolute mate limitation is a viable pathway for sexual trait evolution.
• Eco-evolutionary feedbacks create stable trait values.
• Expands understanding of sexual selection, coevolution, and mating success variation.