Which type of sexual selection involves males competing for territory using their claws?

Prepare for your Arizona State University (ASU) BIO345 Evolution Exam 1. Study with comprehensive resources, including flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Male-male competition is a type of sexual selection where males compete with each other for access to females and resources, often through displays of strength, aggression, or territorial control. In the context of males using their claws to compete for territory, this behavior is a clear demonstration of physical competition, where the size and strength of the claws can be indicative of a male's fitness. The ability to defend a territory may provide a male with better access to resources and potential mates, thereby enhancing his reproductive success.

By establishing and defending a territory, a male sends a signal to females about his fitness level, indicating that he can assert dominance and secure necessary resources. This form of competition is crucial in many species and can drive the evolution of traits related to combat and display, aligning well with the principles of sexual selection in evolutionary biology.

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