Morgan BellSize does matter?
May 23rd 2006 13:30
A survey of 284 “ornament-bearing” species – the largest survey of its kind to date – has found that body parts with no purpose other than attracting a female, such as antlers and peacock feathers, become disproportionately large as an animal’s body size increases.
Having a larger body was previously thought to be most advantageous in finding a mate. An August 2004 article of Medical News Today quoted a study of large shorebirds that found that “the battle between males for a mate is highly competitive and larger size offers an advantage over other potential suitors as they battle aggressively on the ground”.
However, the new survey, conducted by James Brown of the University of New Mexico, concluded that large ornaments are more effective at attracting females. As Dr Brown told the New Scientist: "It indicates that the male with the bigger trait had more resources"
(image from flickr.com)
The larger the feathers, the more attractive the bird
However, the new survey, conducted by James Brown of the University of New Mexico, concluded that large ornaments are more effective at attracting females. As Dr Brown told the New Scientist: "It indicates that the male with the bigger trait had more resources"
(image from flickr.com)
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