Question

In ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), long spurs on the lower legs of males are genetically linked to a gene that influences the bird's susceptibility to disease. This is called

a. an honest signal.
b. a true signal.
c. the handicap principle.
d. the good health hypothesis.

Answer 1

The genetic link between long spurs on male pheasants and disease susceptibility is an example of the handicap principle, which posits that costly traits serve as honest signals of an individual's fitness despite increasing risks from predators.

Step-by-step explanation:

The genetic link between long spurs in male ring-necked pheasants and disease susceptibility is c. the handicap principle.

In biology, the handicap principle is a theory of sexual selection that posits certain costly traits can only be afforded by the fittest individuals.

These traits act as an honest signal to potential mates. While these traits, such as long and extravagant tails, may make an animal more visible to predators and reduce survival chances, they can also signal to females that the male is fit enough to survive with such a seemingly detrimental characteristic. This increases the male's attractiveness and reproductive success despite the inherent survival risk, thus endorsing the handicap principle.