Final answer:
The answer to the student's question is the handicap principle, which states that disadvantageous sexual traits in males can indicate a superior genotype that females prefer for the potential genetic benefits to their offspring.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the student's question is b. the handicap principle. This principle suggests that certain traits in males, which might be detrimental to their survival, are considered attractive by females because they signal the male's ability to survive despite the disadvantage, thus indicating a superior genotype. The handicap principle and the good genes hypothesis are related concepts in sexual selection theory.
They both suggest that certain traits serve as honest signals of a male's fitness. For example, the peacock's elaborate tail might make it more visible to predators and hinder its ability to escape, but the fact that the peacock survives with such a tail is seen as an indicator of its superior genetic quality. Thus, females may prefer males with such traits, as they could pass on better genes to their offspring, potentially enhancing their survival despite the decreased likelihood of escaping predators.