Stereotyped, elaborate, and conspicuous behaviors that prevent mating with the wrong species and overcome aggression of the opposite sex long enough for mating to occur.

A measure of the number of surviving offspring in the next generation that reproduce; greater fitness = greater reproductive success

The mate that is chosen based on physical attributes.

Stereotyped, elaborate, and conspicuous displays that prevent mating with the wrong species and overcome aggression of the opposite sex long enough for mating to occur.

A measure of the number of surviving offspring in the next generation that reproduce; greater fitness = greater reproductive success.

Male courtship and appearance provide information to females about the health and condition of a would-be mate but states that the benefit from mating with a robust and healthy partner lies in the acquisition of genes conducive to offspring survival.

Females prefer the trait (e.g. long tail, bright coloration, etc.) because it is a handicap to the male and therefore acts as a reliable signal of a male's genetic quality.

Competition between members of one sex for mating opportunities with the opposite sex.

A number of different strategies used to increase the chance of ones genes being passed on.

A breeding unit of one male and many females.

Natural selection of traits that increase an individual's reproductive success.