[Campbell Biology P.1201] Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies intersexual selec... | Practice Question

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies intersexual selection?

  • A: Male deer fighting each other for access to females.
  • B: Female peahens choosing to mate with peacocks that have the largest and most vibrant tail feathers.
  • C: Two male stickleback fish displaying aggressive postures to defend their nesting territory from each other.
  • D: A female spider attacking and consuming a male spider after mating.

Explanation

Intersexual selection involves members of one sex typically females choosing mates based on characteristics of the other sex. Female peahens choosing peacocks with elaborate tail feathers is a classic example of this, as the females are actively selecting males based on a specific trait. The other options describe intrasexual selection competition within one sex or predatory behavior.