What is a key outcome of sexual selection?

A key outcome of sexual selection is the evolution of traits that attract mates. This process is driven by the competition for reproductive success, where individuals with certain characteristics are more likely to attract partners and reproduce. These traits can be physical, such as elaborate plumage or antlers, or behavioral, such as specific mating calls or rituals. As these advantageous traits become more pronounced in the population over generations, they play a significant role in the dynamics of sexual selection.

Characteristics that enhance mate attraction can lead to greater reproductive success, influencing the genetic makeup of future generations. This can result in the development of secondary sexual characteristics that serve no direct purpose in survival but significantly enhance mating opportunities, thereby shaping the evolution of species. Understanding sexual selection helps explain the diversity of traits seen in many species and how these traits can influence not only reproductive success but also overall evolutionary trajectories.