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Sexual Selection Is A Form Of Natural Term Paper

Sexual selection is a form of natural selection that deserves attention because of the complexities involved with that selection. Sexual selection focuses on the idea that certain traits give competitors an edge. Studies around the world attempt to clarify the elements involved with this type of selection. Probably the most fundamental explanation of sexual selection is that of choosing a mate that is most likely to survive and a mate that is fertile. But sexual selection goes deeper than that, making an interesting case of study. This paper will focus on female selection and try to examine the reasoning behind it.

Darwin realized that something else was going on when it came to mate selection, as demonstrated though the example of the male and female peacocks. Other examples to back this theory up are female finches zebra finches choosing male zebra finches whose legs were decorated with black or red bands as opposed to male zebra finches with blue or green bands on their legs. (Burley 1235-1236)

Clearly animals that are larger, louder, more colorful, and more novel than average are preferred over the norm. But even such decisions are based on biases. According to Ryan, birds that eat blue berries may evolve blue-sensitive eyes, which would tend to favor blue ornamentation; whereas birds that eat red berries may evolve red-sensitive eyes that favor red ornamentation. (Ryan 156-195) These observations stir up much interest concerning why certain selection are made.
Sexual selection typically takes two forms. Intrasexual selection and intersexual selection. Intrasexual selection involves behaviors which affect the outcome of the competition among a groups' members in relation to access to the opposite sex. This type of behavior is seen among competitive males who fight over territories, for example. Intersexual selection refers to secondary sexual characteristics that make…

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Works Cited

Burley, N. "Wild Zebra Finches Have Color-Band Preferences." Animal Behavior. Vol. 36. 1988.

Fisher, R.A. "The Evolution of Sexual Preference." Eugenics Review. Vol.7 1915.

Starr, Cecie. Biology, Concepts and Applications. Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing Company. 1991.
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