Runaway selection

Runaway selection is an evolutionary process where a trait in a species becomes increasingly exaggerated because of female preference. For example, if females prefer males with a particular feature, like long tails, males with longer tails have more success reproducing. Over time, this preference intensifies, leading to even longer tails, regardless of whether it's beneficial or practical. This cycle continues until other factors limit the trait’s development. Essentially, it's a self-reinforcing loop driven by mate choice that can result in extremely pronounced physical features in a species.