Fisherian runaway selection

Pronunciation
/fish-er-ee-an run-away selection/
Category
Behavior
Singular
Fisherian runaway selection
Plural
Fisherian runaway selections

Definition

A process where a trait, often related to sexual selection, becomes exaggerated due to female preference for increasingly extreme traits in males. This leads to a positive feedback loop where the trait becomes more extreme and more attractive to females.

Etymology

Named after Ronald Fisher, who developed the theory in the 1930s.

Example

The elaborate tail plumes of male peacocks are a result of Fisherian runaway selection.

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