Question

In what ways does sexual selection influence the evolution of guppy coloration in coastal habitats?

Male guppies prefer females with bright colors for better visual communication.

Female guppies prefer males with more vibrant colors, indicating good health and genetic fitness.

Male guppies prefer females with muted colors to blend into the environment.

Female guppies prefer males with muted colors, indicating better camouflage abilities.

Answer 1

Correct answer: only the second statement is true.

Explanation, briefly:
- Female guppies typically drive sexual selection by preferring brightly colored males (especially orange/carotenoid and iridescent patches). Bright coloration often signals good condition, diet/parasite resistance and genetic quality, so females choosing more vibrant males drives the evolution of male color.
- That preference is balanced by natural selection: bright males are more conspicuous to predators, so in high‑predation coastal habitats males tend to be less colorful. Local light, water clarity and predator community also shape which colors are favored.
- Male mate choice for brightly colored females (first statement) is not a main driver in guppies; males more often prefer larger or receptive females. The other two statements (male preference for muted females; females preferring muted males for camouflage) are incorrect.