____A week or so ago in class the question came up as to why males are not only so colorful relative to females, but why across species the colors and patterns vary so much.
Research reported on this week points to one possible answer: To avoid INTERspecies male-male competition!
In a variation on sexual selection theory we see coloration as not only a means to attract mates of the came species, but perhaps also avoid conflict with those of other species you happen to cohabit with.
This work has found observational support in damselflies, and the question is to how many other species it may apply.
To see a little about the research, go here.
AY
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