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THE EVOLUTION OF COSTLY MATE PREFERENCES I. FISHER AND BIASED MUTATION
Author(s) -
Pomiankowski Andrew,
Iwasa Yoh,
Nee Sean
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.84
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1558-5646
pISSN - 0014-3820
DOI - 10.1111/j.1558-5646.1991.tb02645.x
Subject(s) - exaggeration , biology , mutation , preference , mutation rate , selection (genetic algorithm) , evolutionary biology , ploidy , sexual selection , genetics , economics , microeconomics , artificial intelligence , psychology , computer science , psychiatry , gene
Fisher's runaway process is the standard explanation of the evolution of exaggerated female preferences. But mathematical formulations of Fisher's process (haploid and additive diploid) show it cannot cause stable exaggeration if female preference carries a cost. At equilibrium female fitness must be maximized. Our analysis shows that evolutionary stable exaggeration of female preference can be achieved if mutation pressure on the male character is biased, that is, mutation has a directional effect. At this equilibrium female fitness is not maximized. We discuss the reasons and evidence for believing that mutation pressure is typically biased. Our analysis highlights the previously unacknowledged importance of biased mutation for sexual selection.