Zahavi's handicap principle suggests that females
A) base their mate-choice decisions on a male's ability to attract other females.
B) choose males based on the extent to which direct benefits are received.
C) dismiss males that demonstrate the ability to survive with elaborate traits.
D) use traits that are honest indicators of male quality when choosing mates.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Zahavi's handicap principle posits that certain elaborate traits in males, which may seem to be a disadvantage (like a peacock's tail), actually serve as honest signals of the male's fitness. Females prefer males with these traits because they demonstrate the male's ability to survive despite the handicap, indicating good genes.

Zahavi's Handicap Principle Suggests That Females