Peacock Pavo cristatus displaying tail
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Peacock Pavo cristatus displaying tail
Male peacock, Pavo cristatus, displaying his ocellated tail feathers. The peacocks tail, cumbersome and expensive to produce, required an explanation under Darwins theory of natural selection. He once wrote to Asa Gray in 1860 " the sight of a feather in a peacocks tail, whenever I gaze at it, makes me sick!". Darwin addressed the peacock in his 1871 " Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex". The theory of sexual selection proposes that, when females have a choice of mates, the males compete between each other to be the most attractive. Females may choose tails as a way to tell the health of a male, and in later evolution, simply as an indicator of a male who is likely to be attractive to other females (and sire young with the same qualitities). Wallace disagreed. The degree of runaway selection possible in such secondary sexual characters is a matter of debate
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6318593
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
Beauty Biodiversity Bird Competition Darwin Descent Of Man Display Evolution Natural Selection Ocelli Peacock Sexual Sexual Selection Wallace Attractiveness Beautifull Irish Elk
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the majestic display of a male peacock, scientifically known as Pavo cristatus, showcasing his ocellated tail feathers. The sheer beauty and complexity of the peacock's tail have long fascinated scientists and provided an intriguing case study for Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection. Darwin himself once expressed his mixed feelings towards this extravagant plumage, confessing that it made him feel sick whenever he gazed upon it. In his renowned work "Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex". Darwin delved into the concept of sexual selection, suggesting that females choose mates based on their attractiveness. This theory implies that males engage in fierce competition to be the most visually appealing suitor. However, another prominent scientist named Wallace disagreed with Darwin's notion of runaway selection in such secondary sexual characteristics like the peacock's tail. The extent to which these features can evolve solely through mate choice remains a topic of debate among experts. Nevertheless, this stunning photograph serves as a testament to nature's extraordinary biodiversity and showcases one example where beauty plays a significant role in evolution. It reminds us how even seemingly cumbersome and expensive traits like the peacock's elaborate tail can hold important clues about reproductive success and mate choice within species. Photographer Paul D. Stewart masterfully captures this momentous display, allowing us to marvel at nature’s wonders while contemplating its intricate mechanisms behind evolutionary processes.
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