Sexually selected weapons can wear out, decreasing their effectiveness in combat DOI

Isaac McEvoy,

L.C.M. Daniels,

Zachary Emberts

et al.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 291(2027)

Published: July 16, 2024

Sexual selection has resulted in some of the most elaborate traits seen animals, many which are used as weapons. These weapons can be incredibly diverse, even within species. Such morphological variation largely been attributed to environment individuals reared and their genetics. However, weapon form could also result a wearing out from usage. This mechanism received relatively little attention. In this study, we demonstrate that sexually selected wear repeated use, providing experimental evidence usage contribute diversity shapes observed second experiment, having worn-out decreases an individual’s fighting ability. finding illustrates shape have important role determining contest outcomes. Overall, these results suggest limited number times they effectively use weapons, may one factor (among others) influencing how frequently animal engages fight.

Language: Английский

The prevalence of weapon damage: a proportional meta-analysis DOI Creative Commons
Sarah Lane, Erin L. McCullough

Animal Behaviour, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 222, P. 123117 - 123117

Published: March 17, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Sexually selected weapons can wear out, decreasing their effectiveness in combat DOI

Isaac McEvoy,

L.C.M. Daniels,

Zachary Emberts

et al.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 291(2027)

Published: July 16, 2024

Sexual selection has resulted in some of the most elaborate traits seen animals, many which are used as weapons. These weapons can be incredibly diverse, even within species. Such morphological variation largely been attributed to environment individuals reared and their genetics. However, weapon form could also result a wearing out from usage. This mechanism received relatively little attention. In this study, we demonstrate that sexually selected wear repeated use, providing experimental evidence usage contribute diversity shapes observed second experiment, having worn-out decreases an individual’s fighting ability. finding illustrates shape have important role determining contest outcomes. Overall, these results suggest limited number times they effectively use weapons, may one factor (among others) influencing how frequently animal engages fight.

Language: Английский

Citations

2