Summary
Differences in the evolutionary interests of males and females drive arms races in mating traits.
In depth
Interests differ over mating rate and parental care. Antagonistic coevolution gives arms races: toxic seminal fluid in fruit flies and female resistance in water striders.
Conflict arises because a trait that raises one sex's fitness lowers the other's. It drives antagonistic coevolution, giving rapidly evolving reproductive proteins and morphology.
Example: in water striders, male clasping structures and female anti-clasping spines coevolve.
Sexual conflict arises because the reproductive interests of males and females are rarely identical, so traits that raise one sex's success can reduce the other's. This produces sexually antagonistic coevolution, an arms race of adaptation and counter-adaptation.
Examples include seminal fluid proteins in fruit flies that increase paternity but shorten female lifespan, waterfowl with elaborate genitalia versus corkscrew vaginal structures, and male harassment of females in guppies. Females evolve resistance, hiding or choosing.
Key idea: mating is not always a cooperative event.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sexual Conflict?
Differences in the evolutionary interests of males and females drive arms races in mating traits.
Which area of biology covers Sexual Conflict, and how advanced is it?
Sexual Conflict is one of the 53 topics in Animal Behaviour. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Courtship, Sperm Competition, Predator-Prey Arms Races.
Why does Sexual Conflict matter?
It can speed speciation and explains many puzzling traits.
Can you give an example of Sexual Conflict?
Duck genital morphology shows coevolution between sexes.
What should I learn before Sexual Conflict?
Work through the Beginner topics in Animal Behaviour first, such as Animal Behaviour, Innate Behaviour, Learned Behaviour, then return to Sexual Conflict. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Sexual Conflict?
The closest topics to Sexual Conflict are Courtship, Sperm Competition, Predator-Prey Arms Races, Social Learning and Culture. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Sexual Conflict?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Sexual Conflict. To practise the whole of Animal Behaviour, use the Animal Behaviour quiz.
How is Sexual Conflict different from Courtship?
Sexual Conflict: Differences in the evolutionary interests of males and females drive arms races in mating traits. Courtship: Ritualised displays that help animals select and attract suitable mates. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Sexual Conflict step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Courtship and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Animal Behaviour quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.