Final answer:
The evolution of male physical traits for attracting mates or competing with rivals is known as sexual selection, leading to sexual dimorphism, where males and females of a species exhibit different physical characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The evolution of physical traits of males to attract females or to compete with other males for the opportunity to mate is known as sexual selection. This natural phenomenon can lead to a variety of interesting features in males, like the peacock's extravagant tail, which may seem impractical for survival but plays a crucial role in attracting mates. These features, often termed sexual dimorphisms, represent distinct physical differences between males and females of a species that go beyond the reproductive organs. Male peacocks are a classic example of sexual selection, where the ones with the most impressive tail are more likely to be chosen by the female, despite the increased risk these larger tails bring from predators. This process can result in certain males having better chances at mating, therefore passing on the traits that made them desirable in the first place, despite potential decreases in their survival odds. This counterintuitive success of certain physical features thanks to reproductive advantages is a fascinating result of sexual selection and is commonly observed in the animal kingdom.
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