What does sexual selection impact in a population?

Sexual selection significantly influences the choice of mates based on desirable traits. This concept was introduced by Charles Darwin, who identified that certain traits can increase an individual's chances of attracting a mate, thus enhancing reproductive success. For instance, extravagant plumage in birds or specific vocalizations can make certain individuals more appealing to potential mates, leading to a higher likelihood of those individuals passing their genes to the next generation.

This process can drive the evolution of various traits, as mate preferences may skew towards specific characteristics over time, contributing to the diversity of traits within a population. While the survival of progeny, genetic diversity, and overall fitness of individuals are influenced by various evolutionary pressures, the direct aspect of mate choice based on desirable traits is primarily what sexual selection addresses, making it central to understanding reproductive strategies within a population.