In a species of deer, males have large antlers that they use in combat with other males during mating season. Females of this species tend to mate with males that have larger, more impressive antlers. Which of the following statements correctly describes the types of sexual selection at play in this scenario?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks us to identify the type(s) of sexual selection at work when males have large antlers used in combat and females prefer males with larger, more impressive antlers.

First, consider the role of male-male competition. The large antlers are a weapon used by males against other males, which is a hallmark of intrasexual selection: members of the same sex compete to gain access to mates, and the trait (large antlers) evolves because it helps win contests.

Next, consider the role of female choice. If females preferentially mate with males that display larger antlers, this reflects intersexual selection: one sex (females) chooses mates based on a trait exhibited by the other sex (males with larger antlers), leading to the evolution of that trait.

Therefore, the described scenario involves both processes: intrasexual selection via male-male competition and intersexual selection via female choice based on antler size.

Note on the provided answer options: there are no alternative options listed to contrast with this reasoning. If other choices existed, we would evaluate them by checking whether they attribute any part of the pattern to male competition, female choice, both, or neither, and explain why each classification is correct or incorrect.

In sum, the statement that "Both intrasexual and intersexual selection are occurring, with male-male competition and female choice" accurately captures the dual selective pressures at play in this deer species scenario.

AGRI10051_2025_SM2 Revision Questions Weeks 1-4 UNMARKED

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