Exploring the interplay between natural and intersexual selection on the evolution of a cognitive trait.

ABSTRACT: There has been an increased focus on the role of natural and sexual selection in shaping cognitive abilities, but the importance of the interaction between both forces remains largely unknown. Intersexual selection through female mate choice might be an important driver of the evolution of cognitive traits, especially in monogamous species, where females may obtain direct fitness benefits by choosing mates with better cognitive abilities. However, the importance given by female to male cognitive traits might vary among species and/or populations according to their life-history traits and ecology. To disentangle the effects of natural and sexual selection, here we use an agent-based simulation model and compare the model's predictions when females mate with the first randomly encountered ma

SUBMITTER: Barou-Dagues M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9251863 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature