Final answer:
The large, colorful tail feathers of male peacocks are secondary sexual characteristics related to courtship rather than primary characteristics related to fertilization, reflecting a biological strategy influenced by sexual selection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The large, colorful tail feathers of male peacocks are known as secondary sexual characteristics because they are related to courtship. These characteristics serve as signals to potential mates and often arise from sexual selection. In peacocks, the tail feathers do not necessarily increase the individual male's likelihood of survival. In fact, they may be disadvantageous in terms of evading predators. However, these extravagant feathers are believed to be an honest signal of the male's fitness and overall health, which is advantageous for reproducing successfully. This phenomenon is known as the handicap principle, where a trait that lowers survival chances also provides a significant reproductive advantage to those who possess it, thus being seen as a reliable indication of quality to potential mates.
Secondary sexual characteristics are traits that are not related to fertilization but are involved in courtship, attracting mates, and maximizing reproductive success. The large, colorful tail feathers of male peacocks are an example of secondary sexual characteristics because they serve the purpose of attracting females for mating. This is known as sexual selection, where males develop traits that are not necessarily beneficial for survival but increase their chances of reproductive success.