Abstract
AS is well known, the term ‘sexual selection‘ was originally used by Darwin in two senses: first, with reference to the evolution of weapons like horns in ungulates and spurs in birds, such structures rendering their male possessors more efficient in combats for the mastery of the females with which they desired to mate; and secondly, in relation to decorative features possessed by the males and thereby making them more attractive to the female, which was supposed to exercise a preference towards mating with such males. The former process, as freely admitted by the earlier Darwinians, did not differ in principle from any other type of natural selection; but about the second there has always been much dispute.
Courtship and Display among Birds
By C. R. Stonor. Pp. xv + 140 + 57 plates. (London: Country Life Ltd., 1940.) 8s. 6d. net.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
MARSHALL, F. Courtship and Display among Birds. Nature 146, 794–795 (1940). https://doi.org/10.1038/146794a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/146794a0
- Springer Nature Limited