3. In some species, sexual ornaments may evolve to signal to females that the male will provide high levels of paternal care. However, in other species, such as the red-crested cardinal pictured below, there is a negative correlation between the expression of the ornament and paternal care.
a) In such species, how might we explain female preference for males with redder heads? (3 pts)
b) Imagine that females in the population vary in body condition. How might we expect female mate preferences to vary with female body condition? Explain your answer. (3 pts)
c) What effect might this have on the strength of sexual selection for redder heads? (2 pts)