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Selection on swallow tail streamers

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  • Matthew R. Evans

    (University of Stirling)

Abstract

Sexual selection results when one sex, usually females, discriminates among members of the opposite sex during mate choice. It is interesting because it is a mechanism by which those traits used in mate choice can become exaggerated in a way that is apparently detrimental, except in terms of mating, to the bearer of the ornaments1. One of the classic examples of an exaggerated trait produced by sexual selection is the tail streamers of swallows (Hirundo rustica)2. Here, however, by using tail-manipulation experiments, I show that the tail streamers of swallows are mainly the product of natural selection, with sexual selection only causing the streamer to extend beyond the aerodynamic optimum by a small amount.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew R. Evans, 1998. "Selection on swallow tail streamers," Nature, Nature, vol. 394(6690), pages 233-234, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:394:y:1998:i:6690:d:10.1038_28297
    DOI: 10.1038/28297
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