The process by which members of a species acquire certain characteristics because of their importance in acquiring a mate.
Selection which promotes traits that will increase an organism's success in mating and ensuring that its gametes are successful in fertilisation. This is distinct from natural selection which acts simply on traits which influence fecundity and survival.
This is what is happening if an individual chooses a mate from a set of potential mates. For example, there are several kinds of birds where the males have enormous tail feathers. It has been proven (by experiment) that the females prefer the male with the largest tail. So, each of these species would have slowly acquired larger and larger tails because of sexual selection.
The forces determined by mate choice acting to cause one genotype to mate more frequently than another genotype.
Selection by one sex of characteristics in individuals of the opposite sex. Also, the favoring of characteristics in one sex as a result of competition among individuals of that sex for mates.
The selection that results from differential mating success. It includes competition for mates (usually among males) and mate choice (usually by females).
Choosing of mates on the basis of attractive traits possessed by that mate. An important part of natural selection.
Process by which changes in gene frequencies result from individuals that are better than others at either competing for or at attracting mates - i.e. the evolution of traits based on differences in mating success, see also Natural Selection
The plateau selection in which there is competition among males for mates and characteristics enhancing the productive success of the carrier or perpetuated irrespective of their survival value.
A type of natural selection that acts differently on males and females of the same species. Traits involved in mate competition (e.g., canines, flashy peacock tail) are products of sexual selection.
a theory that in certain species there occurs a struggle between males for mated and that characteristics enhancing the success of those bearing them would have value and be perpetuated irrespective of their general value in the struggle for existence
a type of natural selection that directly affects traits that increase an individual's chance of reproducing. Natural selection operating on factors that contribute to an organism's mating success.
Variation in reproductive success due to variation in the ability to acquire mates.
Sexual selection is a theory proposed by Charles Darwin that states that the frequency of traits can increase or decrease depending on the attractiveness or fertility of the bearer. Biologists today distinguish between male to male combat (it is usually males who fight), mate choice (usually female choice of male mates) and mate coercion (forced mating). Much attention has recently been given to cryptic female choiceEberhard, WG.
