Intersexual Selection

Intersexual selection, also known as mate choice, occurs when individuals of one sex choose their mates based on certain desirable traits. These traits may signal health, vitality, or genetic fitness, making them more attractive to potential partners. For example, colorful plumage in birds or large antlers in deer are often preferred in mate selection. This process influences the evolution of these traits over time, as animals with preferred features are more likely to reproduce successfully. Essentially, intersexual selection shapes which individuals get to pass on their genes based on attractiveness and perceived suitability as a mate.