Sexual selection and the evolution of female choice

摘要: A paradox for evolutionists has been the development in one sex, usually females, of preferences mates possessing characters that impair survival. Darwin (187 1) extensively documented cases sexual selection animals and showed many most dramatic examples are attributable to female mating operating polygynous populations. But while he was untroubled explain evolution adaptations male-male competition, did not provide a hypothesis origin or maintenance preferences. Fisher (1958, p. 150-153) provided subtle solution this puzzle. He reasoned initial preference would require "bionomic conditions which such shall confer reproductive advantage. " preferred male trait could then "proceed, by reason advantage gained selection, even after it passed point at its Natural Selection ceased." Because females with stronger mate males bearing more exaggerated traits, genetic correlation between is maintained selection. If -more extreme increasing frequency, results so causes further males. dubbed "runaway process." O'Donald (1967, 1980) used simulations verify several essential features Fisher's argument. differed Fisher, though, his belief must respond supernormal stimuli evolve where decreases viability. (1977, pointed out small increase might result additional viability loss but large gain mechanism. The primary conclusion present paper selective advantages assumed O'Donald, later authors necessary either subsequent elaboration traits associated reduced survivorship. Using two-locus analytic model follows both population, I will show neither selected nor against. sufficiently strong can, however, maintain population greatly can be deterioration average survivorship, as concluded, no particular assumptions about behavioral mechanisms (e.g., response stimuli)