Biology (11th Edition)

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 1259188132
ISBN 13: 978-1-25918-813-8

Chapter 54 - Behavioral Biology - Review Questions - Apply - Page 1162: 3

Answer

To test this, look for traits which would allow males handicapped by large feathers to survive: greater speed, greater flight muscle strength, greater speed in getting off the ground, stronger leg muscle or neck muscles for fighting predators, etc.

Work Step by Step

They key is to test whatever would allow males with larger feathers to compensate for the disadvantage. Be creative in imagining what factors could be responsible--more are possible than those given in the answer.
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