Ethology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Янв. 13, 2025

ABSTRACT Sexual polymorphism describes discrete variation among individuals of one sex, often involving conspicuously colored, displaying male morphs and inconspicuous, sneaking morphs. may be maintained over evolutionary time if the morph is favored by sexual selection experiences reduced predation. We tested these ideas using 3D printed models live males in sexually polymorphic poeciliid fish, Girardinus metallicus . Females did not prefer black morph; however, exhibited more male–male aggression, dominant achieved higher mating success than all plain males, suggesting a advantage. Predatory blue tilapia ( Oreochromis aureus ) show preference for either morph, no advantage this regard that would maintain polymorphism. It possible instead because as become common, aggressive interference them causes their fitness to decline, thereby keeping rare relative morphs, but eliminating entirely. Our results underscore need further explore function display, it appears selected via female choice, contrast displays similar species.

Язык: Английский