Evolutionary Significance of Predation on Sexually Signalling Males

Abstract

There are several very good reasons why courtship displays should not exist at all. Firstly, they render the animal performing them conspicuous, and therefore may attract predators. Secondly, they are usually performed with such intensity that they not only attract predators, but also claim the attention of the displaying animal to such a degree as to make it particularly vulnerable to attack from predators . (Morris 1956)