Abstract
A novel explanation of the evolutionary process leading to the appearance of differences in sexual preferences is proposed. The explanation is fully general: it is not specific to any particular type of sexual preferences, nor to any species or population. It shows how different sexual preferences can appear in any large group-living population in which sexual selection is sufficiently strong in each sex. The main idea is that the lack of interest toward a member of the opposite sex may be interpreted as a signal of popularity, and thus of reproductive success. It is then boosted by the Fisher runaway process far beyond the point where it becomes costly, resulting in a generalized trait—lack of interest toward the opposite sex. If the interest diverts toward other targets then different sexual preferences emerge. This hypothesis is placed into the context of other works on different sexual preferences in animals; supporting evidence from the literature is reviewed and additional research needed to confirm or refute the hypothesis in any given species is outlined.
Highlights
In this paper we propose a simple general hypothesis that explains evolutionary mechanisms leading to the appearance of sexual preferences other than toward conspecifics of the opposite sex capable of reproduction
It purports that mating behavior itself can be interpreted as a sign of popularity, and it may be beneficial to express it by other means than mating with conspecifics of the opposite sex, leading to such DSTBs as mating with members of different species or same-sex conspecifics (Schlupp et al, 1994; Bierbach et al, 2013)
The hypothesis described in this paper presents a theoretical solution to an evolutionary paradox that withstood decades of both theoretical and empirical research, namely, the evolution of differences in sexual preferences
Summary
One notable exception is a Samoan study by Vasey et al (2007), which finds some empirical support for this hypothesis for the population in question, but notes that further research is needed to conclusively establish its validity Another explanation using the kin selection argument stipulates that the benefit provided to the relatives by those individuals that do not reproduce (or reproduce less) may be the increased availability of the resource, rather than alloparental care (Poiani, 2010). Mating as a Signal of Attractiveness this explanation applies only to DSTBs and not DSPs, it bears some important similarities to the explanation we propose here It purports that mating behavior itself can be interpreted as a sign of popularity, and it may be beneficial to express it by other means than mating with conspecifics of the opposite sex, leading to such DSTBs as mating with members of different species or same-sex conspecifics (Schlupp et al, 1994; Bierbach et al, 2013).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
