Article

Sexy streamers? The role of natural and sexual selection in the evolution of hirundine tail streamers

Details

Citation

Park K, Buchanan KL & Evans M (2001) Sexy streamers? The role of natural and sexual selection in the evolution of hirundine tail streamers. Evolution, 55 (2), pp. 445-446. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0014-3820.2001.tb01307.x

Abstract
In this comment we review some experiments, which address the initial selection pressures promoting the development of tail streamers in some hirundine species. The results of recent experiments have been interpreted as providing evidence for the hypothesis that tail streamers evolved as a handicap, through sexual selection. We offer an alternative explanation with evidence from our studies which suggest that tail streamers may have evolved initially through natural selection for increased manoeuvrability, and would not therefore originally act as a handicap.

Keywords
flight performance; tail streamer; handicap; sexual selection; hirundine; natural selection; Swallows Animal flight

Journal
Evolution: Volume 55, Issue 2

StatusPublished
Publication date28/02/2001
Publication date online09/05/2007
URLhttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/305
PublisherSociety for the Study of Evolution
ISSN0014-3820

People (1)

People

Professor Kirsty Park

Professor Kirsty Park

Professor, Biological and Environmental Sciences