Sexual selection, the process by which traits evolve due to competition for mates, has been studied extensively in males but less so in females. Recent research shows that females also experience sexual selection through intrasexual competition and male choice, leading to significant sex differences in behavior and morphology. Darwin first proposed the concept in "The Descent of Man," suggesting that secondary sexual traits evolved due to competition for mates or to attract the opposite sex. Modern understanding, based on work by Bateman and Trivers, indicates that males, due to lower investment in gametes and parental care, have higher reproductive rates, leading to more intense intrasexual competition and stronger selection for traits in males. However, females also show strong sexual selection, especially in species where they compete intensely for breeding opportunities, leading to pronounced secondary sexual characters. Sexual selection in females can result in complex patterns of behavior and morphology, with females sometimes showing larger sizes or more elaborate ornaments than males. In some species, females compete for resources necessary for reproduction, which can influence their social rank and breeding success. Studies on species like spotted hyenas and meerkats show that females can have high social status and compete intensely for breeding opportunities. Female secondary sexual characters may serve to attract males or to compete with other females, and these traits can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The operation of sexual selection in females is more complex than previously thought, with differences in selection pressures between the sexes leading to varied evolutionary outcomes. While males often compete for mates, females may compete for resources or social status, which can affect their reproductive success. The evolution of secondary sexual characters in females is influenced by factors such as reproductive variance, resource distribution, and the costs of competition. Understanding these complexities is crucial for explaining sex differences in behavior and morphology. Recent studies highlight the need for further research into the mechanisms of sexual selection in females, as well as the evolution of sex differences. The traditional view of sexual selection as primarily male-driven is being challenged, with evidence showing that females also play a significant role in shaping secondary sexual traits. This broader understanding of sexual selection is essential for a comprehensive view of evolutionary processes.Sexual selection, the process by which traits evolve due to competition for mates, has been studied extensively in males but less so in females. Recent research shows that females also experience sexual selection through intrasexual competition and male choice, leading to significant sex differences in behavior and morphology. Darwin first proposed the concept in "The Descent of Man," suggesting that secondary sexual traits evolved due to competition for mates or to attract the opposite sex. Modern understanding, based on work by Bateman and Trivers, indicates that males, due to lower investment in gametes and parental care, have higher reproductive rates, leading to more intense intrasexual competition and stronger selection for traits in males. However, females also show strong sexual selection, especially in species where they compete intensely for breeding opportunities, leading to pronounced secondary sexual characters. Sexual selection in females can result in complex patterns of behavior and morphology, with females sometimes showing larger sizes or more elaborate ornaments than males. In some species, females compete for resources necessary for reproduction, which can influence their social rank and breeding success. Studies on species like spotted hyenas and meerkats show that females can have high social status and compete intensely for breeding opportunities. Female secondary sexual characters may serve to attract males or to compete with other females, and these traits can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The operation of sexual selection in females is more complex than previously thought, with differences in selection pressures between the sexes leading to varied evolutionary outcomes. While males often compete for mates, females may compete for resources or social status, which can affect their reproductive success. The evolution of secondary sexual characters in females is influenced by factors such as reproductive variance, resource distribution, and the costs of competition. Understanding these complexities is crucial for explaining sex differences in behavior and morphology. Recent studies highlight the need for further research into the mechanisms of sexual selection in females, as well as the evolution of sex differences. The traditional view of sexual selection as primarily male-driven is being challenged, with evidence showing that females also play a significant role in shaping secondary sexual traits. This broader understanding of sexual selection is essential for a comprehensive view of evolutionary processes.