Article Abstract:
A study was conducted to determine whether the attractiveness of the male great tit Parus major to female P. major is a heritable trait, and whether male attractiveness is directly related to the viability of their offspring. The study involved a cross-fostering in which parent birds raised unrelated young. The results showed that plumage trait associated with male attractiveness is a heritable trait, and that it correlates with the viability of their of offspring. These results provide empirical proof of sexual selection by female birds based on genetic quality as indicated by visible traits.
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Article Abstract:
The color red is a sexually selected sign of male quality in variety of animals, which can increase male dominance in some non-human species. A similar effect can influence the outcome of physical contests in humans and it is found that not only the sexual selection may have influenced the evolution in human response to colors but also that the color of sportswear needs to be taken into account to ensure a level playing field in sport.
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Article Abstract:
There are two statistical problems with the use of fluctuating asymmetry to show sexual selection of secondary traits for natural selection. One problem occurs if relative fluctuating asymmetry is measured, causing meaningless regressions. Another problem occurs when absolute asymmetry is measured and the longer element of a pair is not made the independent variable, as is illustrated by an example using ring-neck pheasants.
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