Sexual Selection Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What unique character defines the two biological sexes for animals?

  • Males have smaller gametes (sperm versus eggs) (correct)
  • Males have a penis; females don’t
  • Males have bigger bodies (on average)
  • Males have both X and Y sex chromosomes, whereas females have 2 X sex chromosomes

What form can sexual selection take?

  • Intersexual selection — individuals of one sex prefer certain attributes of individuals of the other sex (correct)
  • Intrasexual selection — individuals of one sex prefer certain attributes of individuals of the other sex
  • Random selection — individuals select mates without preference
  • Mutual selection — both sexes prefer certain attributes of each other

What is typically female choice in sexual selection?

  • Choosing mates based on physical size
  • Choosing mates based on certain attributes (correct)
  • Choosing mates based on genetic similarity
  • Choosing mates based on resources provided

What did Charles Darwin find difficult to explain with his theory of natural selection?

<p>The absurdity and beauty of peacock plumage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do males and females have in terms of gametes?

<p>Males have larger gametes than females (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the two biological sexes for animals?

<p>Males have smaller gametes (sperm versus eggs) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is typically female choice in sexual selection?

<p>Preferring certain attributes in individuals of the other sex (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Charles Darwin find it difficult to explain something beautiful and absurd?

<p>Due to the direct and indirect benefits choosy females seek in a mate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What form can sexual selection take?

<p>Intersexual selection - individuals of one sex prefer certain attributes in individuals of the other sex (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unique character defines the two biological sexes for animals?

<p>Males have smaller gametes (sperm versus eggs) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What defines the two biological sexes for animals?

The sex with smaller gametes, like sperm, is considered the male sex.

What are the types of sexual selection?

Intersexual selection occurs when members of one sex, usually females, prefer certain traits in potential mates.

What is female choice in sexual selection?

Females often select mates based on traits that signal good genes, resources, or parenting abilities.

What did Darwin struggle to explain?

Darwin couldn't explain why peacocks have extravagant, seemingly unhelpful plumage. The answer lies in sexual selection.

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What is the unique defining feature of the two biological sexes?

Males have smaller gametes (sperm) than females (eggs). This is a fundamental difference between the sexes for animals.

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What is typically female choice in sexual selection?

Females choosing mates based on specific traits is a common form of sexual selection.

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Why did Darwin find it difficult to explain something beautiful and absurd?

Darwin's theory of natural selection couldn't explain traits that seemingly decrease survival, like peacock plumage.

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What form can sexual selection take?

Intersexual selection occurs when individuals within one sex prefer certain qualities or traits in individuals of the opposite sex.

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What do males and females have in terms of gametes?

The size of gametes (sex cells) is a fundamental difference between males and females.

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What unique character defines the two biological sexes for animals?

Males have smaller gametes (sperm) compared to females (eggs). This difference is a defining characteristic of the two sexes.

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Study Notes

Biological Sexes in Animals

  • The unique character that defines the two biological sexes for animals is the type of gametes they produce: males produce small, mobile gametes (sperm) and females produce large, immobile gametes (eggs).

Sexual Selection

  • Sexual selection can take the form of competition between members of the same sex (intrasexual selection) or choice by one sex of a mate (intersexual selection).
  • Typically, female choice is observed in sexual selection, where females choose their mates based on certain characteristics.

Natural Selection and Charles Darwin

  • Charles Darwin found it difficult to explain the evolution of elaborate and ornate traits in males, such as bright plumage or complex songs, using his theory of natural selection.
  • He struggled to understand why these traits, which seemed to be a hindrance to survival, had evolved and been maintained in populations.

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