Question

Male peacocks spread and fan their bright-colored feathers with specific intentions. They display this behavior to make themselves attractive to a female peahen. This behavior is a form of:

A. Communication
B. Aggression
C. Isolation
D. Adaptation

Answer 1

Male peacocks spread their tail feathers as a form of communication to attract mates, a behavior known as courtship. Their colorful and large tails signal their vitality and genetic quality to female peahens, influencing the females' mate selection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The behavior exhibited by male peacocks when they spread and display their tail feathers to attract female peahens is a form of communication. It is a specific type of behavior known as courtship, which is intended to attract a mate. Courtship can involve various forms of communication, including visual displays like the peacock's tail feathers, singing specific songs, or performing ritualized movements or dances.

In this case, the bright-colored feathers serve multiple functions: they signal the health and vitality of the male to potential mates, and they play a critical role in the reproductive success of the peacock. While the large, ostentatious tail may be a handicap in terms of survival due to increased visibility to predators, it operates under the handicap principle, signifying that only the most fit individuals can afford to display such a costly trait. Females interpret this as an honest signal of quality, which influences their mate choice decision.