Work

Evolutionary influences of sexual signalling on protective colouration

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: Sexual signals can reduce survival, constraining their evolutionary elaboration. However, it is unclear whether these signals, once evolved, similarly impact the evolution of naturally selected adaptations. We argue that this dynamic could be important for protective colouration, an extensively studied suite of adaptations that can also be under sexual selection. Sexual signals sometimes coevolve positively with conspicuous warning colouration, promoting synergistic, dual-function associations. However, when coupled through shared structures or behaviours, sexual traits might constrain the evolution of concealment strategies, resulting in suboptimal camouflage. We suggest hypotheses, approaches, and study systems to distinguish these opposing causal roles of sexual selection in shaping naturally selected adaptations such as protective colouration.

Source: Trends in Ecology & Evolution

DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2025.11.002

Authors: J. Benito Wainwright, Graeme D. Ruxton, Nathan W. Bailey

Institution: University of St Andrews

Language: English

Topic: Animal Behavior and Reproduction

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $7,030

Funders: Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, Natural Environment Research Council