The Role of Sexual Selection in Animal Reproduction
While natural selection is necessary for the animal’s survival, sexual selection ensures its reproduction. At the same time, the external characteristics of the animal can often make it preferable for smoke, but at the same time, interfere with its survival, as happens with peacocks.
Peacocks: Beauty That Endangers Survival
The peacock’s bright tail is essential for sexual selection, as it is how males attract females (Tale of the Peacock, n.d.). At the same time, because of their tail, male peacocks become more visible to predators. Moreover, their tails are often very long and heavy, making males less agile.
Lions: Manes as a Signal of Strength and a Physical Burden
Another species that has the same distinctive feature is the lion. Male lions have large, dark manes that help attract females. Moreover, the mane makes the lion look more intimidating to other males (Lion Fact Sheet, 2020). Therefore, males often perform a protective function, protecting the territory of the pride and lion cubs from other lions. Females are engaged in hunting during this time and are, in fact, the primary breadwinners of the pride (Lion Fact Sheet, 2020). Because of their mane, male lions become less agile and cannot track and hunt prey effectively.
Sexual Selection and Gender Role Reversals in Birds and Fish
In addition, signs of sexual selection in animals are the specific distribution of gender roles. For example, female-wattled jacanas are larger and stronger than males, so they defend their territory while the male incubates the eggs and cares for the young (Jacanas, n.d.).
The exact distribution of gender roles is demonstrated by pipefish. The females transfer their eggs to the male’s brood pouch, fertilizing them and bearing the embryos (Nature Video, 2010). In this case, the male can choose which eggs to fertilize and which not. Studies have shown that when meeting a small mate, males do not fertilize their eggs, accumulating resources for the eggs of more attractive females (Nature Video, 2010). These findings demonstrate that sexual selection affects not only the external characteristics of animals but also their behavior and gender roles.
References
Jacanas[Video]. (n.d.). VidGrid. Web.
Lion Fact Sheet. (2020). PBS. Web.
Nature Video. (2010). Male pregnancy: The dark side [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Tale of the peacock [Video]. (n.d.). VidGrid. Web.