Evolutionary Biologist Explains Sexual Selection

The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins | Members Exclusive

Ever wondered why some males in the animal kingdom seem to have all the luck, while others struggle to find a mate? In this episode we explore Ronald Fisher’s groundbreaking principles and dive deep into the secrets of nature’s most intriguing mating strategies. Have you ever pondered the hidden costs of maintaining a balanced sex ratio? Or marvelled at the extravagant displays of peacocks and birds of paradise, wondering what drives such stunning showcases of beauty? My talk drew inspiration from daring minds, from Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, to Helena Cronin and Amos Zahavi, who challenged conventional wisdom and pushed the boundaries of our understanding. Could it be that male parasites and birds alike have mastered the art of honest advertising to attract mates? And what does the Zahavi-Graffan handicap theory reveal about the true nature of attraction?