Organism
Birds of Paradise
TL;DR
Family of birds (Paradisaeidae) exhibiting extreme sexual dimorphism through runaway selection.
Family of birds (Paradisaeidae) exhibiting extreme sexual dimorphism through runaway selection. Males develop plumage so elaborate they can't fly effectively, yet the trait persists because of strong female preference. Like Irish Elk antlers, birds of paradise demonstrate how runaway selection amplifies traits beyond survival utility.
Notable Traits of Birds of Paradise
- Extreme sexual dimorphism
- Elaborate male plumage
- Impaired flight ability in males