Define sexual selection and give a mammal example.

• A. A process that favors survival without regard to reproduction.
• B. A process that eliminates all variation in the population.
• C. A form of natural selection acting on mating success; e.g., mane of male lions.
• D. A random change in allele frequencies over time.

Answer: (C)

Sexual selection is a form of natural selection that focuses on traits that boost mating success rather than just survival. In mammals this often shows up as signals or features that help individuals win mates or deter rivals. The mane of a male lion is a classic example: a large, dark mane signals health and strength to both females and competing males, helping the male secure mates and win contests. This increases reproductive success even if the trait isn’t the best for survival in the wild. So, sexual selection is about mating advantages, not merely staying alive. The other ideas describe survival-oriented selection, random genetic drift, or an outcome that would reduce variation, which aren’t what sexual selection is about.