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| Absolute mate limitation and the eco-evolutionary dynamics of sexual selection |
| J. Colton Watts, Courtney L. Fitzpatrick. Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States |
Sexual selection theory focuses on variation in mating success caused by a shortage of mates relative to competitors, but variation in mating success can also arise if mates are limited in an absolute sense (e.g., due to low encounter rates). To assess the contribution of absolute mate limitation to sexual trait evolution, we model a costly trait that increases mate encounter rates but is expressed solely in the limiting sex. We show that sexual selection favors the elaboration of such a trait provided the marginal increase in mate encounter rate exceeds the marginal increase in mortality, but the conditions in which this occurs depends on population dynamic variables that may change as the trait evolves. The resulting eco-evolutionary dynamics generally cause the sexual trait to converge on a single eco-evolutionary equilibrium value that, once established, cannot be replaced. These findings suggest a broader scope of the ecological contexts in which sexual selection can in principle occur and highlight promising directions for future research on the eco-evolutionary dynamics of sexual selection, sexual coevolution, and causes of variation in mating success in the limiting sex. |