Sexual Selection in Everything We Do

The word “evolution” is commonly used to explain the comparisons between the past and the present. Explaining what evolution means is difficult because of the many definitions that exist. The feat of evolution often refers to the heritable changes that occur because of genetic changes. Alterations in gene structure often result in physical changes in organisms. These alterations can change the mechanisms and dynamics of various populations as a result. However, physical changes do not appear overnight. These changes take place over the course of many centuries and generations. Scientists have pieced information together to suggest that physical changes have occurred to increase population fitness. They also go on to add that these genetic alterations are passed from one generation to the next. Sexual selection branches out from evolution. For organisms that reproduce sexually, sexual selection acts on its ability to find a mate and breed with them. There are many perspectives that help illustrate why sexual selection is still a topic of interest. Scientists like Dr. Rupert Marshall use birds as study organisms to explore the evolutionary foundation behind sexual selection. Birds are not the only popular examples used to explain reoccurring sexual mechanisms. Sexual selection will continue to be puzzle that needs to be solved.

Sexual selection can be very important. Charles Darwin was one of the first scientists to observe its importance in nature. He based his findings on observations on the birds of paradise. Although sexual mechanisms of species differ, Darwin distinguished two main categories. The birds can either appear more attractive for a potential mate or fight off their same sex competitors. Some birds have genetic trai...

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...yself deadlines and carefully listening to my professor’s advice, I slowly became comfortable with my ideas. I am willing to share ideas because of this course. I have thoroughly enjoyed divulging into scientific literature about sexual selection. Reading primary research articles has been worthwhile. Sometimes I feel that I live by the motto, “Faster is better”. However, when I try to go full speeds ahead, I often miss the important details. When scientists write scientific research articles or follow the scientific method, they always ask questions to slowly gain answers. [I have learned that] is it important to appreciate the amount of effort scientists put into their papers. [Whether or not the scientist’s results support their hypothesis,] the best explanations come with time. I now value the importance of continuing to ask questions about the world around me.