“Survival of the fittest” and Darwin’s theory of evolution suggests
that new species evolve when favored characteristics are bred and passed on
more successfully than non-favored genes. Mating is thought to be through
sexual selection. This is when one sex chooses to mate with the opposite sex
because of very specific characteristics that will eventually form a new
species. New research now suggests something other than the theory of evolution
is driving mating and slowing down species evolution. Polygamous birds, ones
that mate with several partners during a season, are less diverse genetically
when compared to monogamous species. Rapid diversification does not equal
higher genetic differences in population. As first scientists thought that
polygamous birds choose their mates randomly but it seems they have a “type”.
Humans prefer blonde or dark hair partners and the same rings true for birds. I find it interesting how other animals besides humans look for traits in mates that don't necessarily mean anything for survival.
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