During a field assignment with her students, Professor Miller observes two male elephant seals engaged in a fierce battle. She explains to her students that they are fighting for mating control of the female harem, a process termed
A) intersexual selection.
B) intrasexual selection.
C) sexual fitness.
D) sexual adaptation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Intrasexual selection refers to competition within the same sex (in this case, males) for access to mates. The battle between the two male elephant seals for control over the female harem is an example of intrasexual selection, where males compete with each other for the opportunity to mate with females.

During a Field Assignment with Her Students, Professor Miller Observes