Zahavi (1975, 1977) suggested that if a signal is costly and is related to the quality of the sender, and the receiver is interested in the quality of the sender and will benefit from attending to an honest signal, then the signal may evolve as a(n)
A) dishonest signal.
B) dynamic signal.
C) handicap.
D) ritual.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Zahavi's handicap principle suggests that costly signals are reliable indicators of an individual's fitness because only high-quality individuals can afford to produce them. This makes the signal honest and beneficial for both the sender and the receiver.

Zahavi (1975, 1977) Suggested That If a Signal Is Costly