Darwin's+Sexual+Selection

Alison Raymond ** Darwin’s Sexual Selection ** Sexual Selection is a theory proposed by Charles Darwin in //Origin of Species//. He suggested that any trait, which increases mating success among organisms, would be selected for during reproduction (Sexual Selection, 1998). Although Darwin first introduced this concept, researchers have further developed this idea over time. Currently, sexual selection is known as the aim to ensure the continuation of one’s genetic traits. However, these traits aren’t always advantageous to an organism’s survival. In other words, characteristics that solicit sexual attraction often decrease an individual’s adaptation to its environment. For example, male birds that have colored feathers are more likely to attract a mate, as bright colors are a mark of fitness. Although this attribute offers a potential benefit, it can also have an adverse effect because vibrantly shaded feathers makes a bird more noticeable to predators (Sexual Selection, 2005). **Components of Sexual Selection** Sexual selection can be divided into two subcategories: intrasexual selection and intersexual selection. During intrasexual selection, members of one sex usually the males, battle against one another for access to the females. This struggle encourages the perpetuation of traits that increase one’s competitive ability, such as large body size, horns, or canine teeth (Lycett, 2006). For example, deer manipulate their antlers to demonstrate dominance or masculinity during the mating season; thus, this is a type of intrasexual selection because the males challenge each other for the does’ attention. Another type of sexual selection, intersexual selection, occurs as members of one sex, usually the females, elect their mates based upon physical appearance. This form of selection promotes the development of traits that attract the interest of these females (Lycett, 2006). An example of this selection is evident in the development of the male peacock’s beautifully decorated tail. This trait is desirable because female peacocks seeks male with numerous eyespots on their train, influencing the continuation of this physical feature (Lycett, 2006). **Sexual Selection in Humans** Sexual selection has also caused the development of different characteristics in humans. For instance, some scholars argue that men’s deep voices are a result of this process. After all, deep voices offer no evolutionary advantage to males, revealing that this trait must be maintained due to sexual reasons (Lycett, 2006). Others even contend that humans’ sophisticated vocabulary is a result of sexual selection because it is a fitness indicator, or a signal of intelligence (Rosenberg & Tunney, 2008). Although these instances are examples of sexual selection in humans, the development of certain human characteristics can be more specifically defined as a result intrasexual and intersexual selection. Intrasexual selection in humans is evident when males display their strength in order to secure an opportunity to interact with the females. By showcasing their strength, and possibly eliminating other competitors, males are able to prove they are the best-suited matches for various women. However, some scholars present a slightly different interpretation of this type of selection. They argue intrasexual selection in humans doesn’t always include direct physical contact or confrontation. Instead, males’ abilities that allow them to obtain resources at the expense of others can also be characterized as intrasexual selection (Buss, 1988). An example of this can be when males secure territory that women prize or desire. By doing so, men are able to gain access to females as a result of their competitive ability (Buss, 1988). On the other hand, intersexual selection is also present in humans. Evidence of this type of selection occurs frequently, as women tend to discriminate and evaluate men based upon their physical appearance. For instance, intersexual selection explains why men’s muscles are so much bigger than women (Lassek & Gaulin, 2008). After all, defined muscles often set apart men from other males as they attract the attention of women. Although this trait is viewed as appealing, it isn’t always advantageous to men’s survival. In a national survey, it was proven that as men become more muscular, their immune systems’ become less effective (Lassek & Gaulin, 2008). Therefore, this occurrence captures how although sexual selection encourages sexually desirable traits, it can also perpetuate the existence of harmful characteristics. ** How Sexual Selection Influences Communication ** Interactions among species are deeply influenced by sexual selection because it dictates all interaction during mating. During this process, males and females communicate with one another in order to reach their common goal of finding a suitable mate. Thus, during sexual selection, communication offers an avenue across every level of interaction for individuals to convey their desire for one another. Without communication, species would effectively become lost, unable to demonstrate interest or approval. For instance, sexual communication is essential during intersexual communication. During these interactions, females appraise the mates, and have the ability to signal their interest, or their willingness to reproduce with various males. Thus, sexual selection is guided by communication, as individuals use messages, or signs, to relay their sexual interests.
 * Background on Sexual Selection**

Additionally, sexual selection can support various communication theories. For instance, Knapp’s Staircase Model of Relationship Development is enhanced by sexual selection. This communication theory stipulates that relational development is characterized by either growth or decay, otherwise known as coming together or growing apart (Knapp & Vangelisti, 2008). The growth phase consists of five distinct stages, describing the process of forming relationships: initiating, experimenting, intensifying, integrating and bonding. The initiating phase is marked by the socialization between two individuals who have just met one another (Knapp & Vangelisti, 2008). The goal of this communication is to signal an interest towards one’s partner. However, it’s often challenging to advance past this stage because if an individual has a poor first impression of the other, he/she could desire to avoid future interactions. Sexual selection plays a strong role in this stage of relational development. When initiating interaction, individuals often have a sexual motivation that spurs their interest in another. Thus, sexual selection acts as a catalyst for these interactions, because strong physical attraction encourages communication between individuals. Without this influence, organisms would be less likely to initiate contact, hindering their ability to form develop relationships with potential mates. As a result, sexual selection supports this communication model, because it is linked to this important stage of growth. In other words, sexual selection influences communication because one’s appealing characteristics will draw attention, allowing the opportunity for a relationship to form. ** Synopsis of Sexual Selection ** Sexual selection is an important component in nature, because it stimulates the mating process between various species. Therefore, characteristics that increase one’s chance of mating success will be selected for during reproduction, continuing the appearance of certain traits in organisms. Additionally, sexual selection is relevant to humans, as it has influenced the interactions between genders. Thus, sexual selection is inherently linked to communication, because it prompts contact between individuals. **References** Buss, David M. (1988). The Evolution of Human Intrasexual Competition: Tactics of Male Attraction. //Journal of Personality and Social Psychology//, 618. Retrieved from http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/group/busslab/pdffiles/evolution_intrasexual_co mpetition_1988_jpsp.pdf Knapp, Mark L., & Vangelisti, Anita L. (2008). //Interpersonal Communication and Human Relations//. Massachusetts: Allyn & Bacon. Lassek, William D. & Gaulin, Steven J.C. (2008). Costs and Benefits of Fat-Free Muscle Mass in Men: Relationship to Mating Success, Dietary Requirements and Native Immunity. //Evolution and Human Behavior//, 326. Locking Antlers: Red Deer Stags During the Annual Rutting Season in Britain. //London News Pictures.// Retrieved from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthpicturegalleries/8059147/Locking- antlers-red-deer- stags-during-the-annual-autumn-rutting-season-in-Britain.html?image=2 Lycett, J. E. Sexual selection. (2006). //In Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Psychology.// Retrieved from __http://www.xreferplus.com/entry/hodderdpsyc/sexual_selection__. Rosenberg, Jeremy & Tunney, Richard J. (2008). Human Vocabulary Use as Display. //Evolutionary Psychology,// 538. Retrieved from http://www.epjournal.net/filestore/ep06538549.pdf Sexual selection. (2005). In //The American Heritage Science Dictionary//. Retrieved from __http: //www.xreferplus.com/entry/hmsciencedict/sexual_selection//__//. // // Sexual selection. (1988). In //Illustrated Dictionary of Science, Andromeda//. Retrieved from http: // www.xreferplus.com/entry/andidsci/sexual_selection.