PERSPECTIVE - CHASE-AWAY SEXUAL SELECTION - ANTAGONISTIC SEDUCTION VERSUS RESISTANCE

A model of sexual selection that leads to the evolution of exaggerated male display characters that is based on antagonistic coevolution bet ween the sexes is described. The model is motivated by three lines of research: intersexual conflict with respect to mating, sensory exploit ation, and the evolution of female resistance, as opposed to preferenc e, for male display traits. The model generates unique predictions tha t permit its operation to be distinguished from other established mode ls of sexual selection. One striking prediction is that females will f requently win the coevolutionary arms race with males, leaving them en cumbered with costly ornaments that have little value except that thei r absence understimulates females. Examples from the literature sugges t that the model may have broad application in nature. The chase-away model is a special case of the more general phenomenon of Interlocus C ontest Evolution (ICE).