Question

An example of natural selection is the tail of a male peacock. The females of the species choose mates based on the colors of the males’ tail feathers. If females begin using different criteria than feather color when they choose mates, what would most likely happen to the tails of peacocks over time?

increased variation in tail feather color because the selection pressure has been relieved
increased variation in tail feather color because the peacocks try different ways to impress the females
decreased variation in tail feather color because no form of the trait is advantageous
decreased variation in tail feather color because the only reason for variation was selection pressure

Answer 1

Given the situation above regarding natural selection on mating peacocks, if ever females begin to change different criteria than feather color when they choose mates, what would eventually happen to the tails of the peacocks over time is that there would be a decrease in variation in tail feather color because the only reason for variation was selection pressure. The answer is the last option.