ABSTRACT
But which Darwinian mechanism of genetic history is referenced? – enhancement of survival through natural selection, which has been the general presumption in such studies? – or enhancement of reproduction through sexual selection, a mechanism that has been somewhat neglected but is receiving increased attention? – or both? is is a signicant distinction since “breeding always takes precedence over survival when they come into con-ict” – as they often do (Ridley 1993: 20) and as the perennial example of costly and conspicuous peacock tails instantiates.
