How does selection operate on whole-organism functional performance capacities? A review and synthesis

Abstract

Hypothesis: Natural and sexual selection should be stronger on whole-organism functional performance traits (sprinting, biting) than on correlated morphological variables. Organisms: Lizards, snakes, turtles, frogs, and fish (review of past field and laboratory studies). Field sites: Various (review of past field and laboratory studies). Methods: We reviewed existing literature on the nature and intensity of natural and sexual selection on whole-organism performance traits. We answer some key questions in regards to how selection operates on performance, and whether selection is stronger on performance compared with morphological traits. Results: We identified 23 studies that have quantified selection on performance. Natural and sexual selection were typically directional in nature, with a distinct preference for high rather than low values of performance. However, some studies uncovered no significant selection on performance, and there was also no evidence that selection was stronger on performance traits than morphological traits.