Biology
Sexual Selection and Ornamentation in Birds-of-Paradise
Quick fact
In some species of birds-of-paradise, males perform complex dances for hours each day and molt their striking plumes only during the breeding season, investing huge energy in traits that do nothing for survival—only for impressing females.
Why this is interesting
When you see a bird-of-paradise, with its neon feathers and hypnotic dance, you're witnessing nature's most extravagant runway show. But why would evolution produce such over-the-top displays?