| Previous studies of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) and sexual selection have been confounded by natural selection on FA. Ornament design is considered in terms of costs within a specific ecological context, and a classification of ornaments according to the design costs of FA is proposed. Ornaments with major FA design costs are classified as working parts and those with nominal costs as labels. Female mate choice in guppies (Poecilia reticulata) is studied because male colour patterns are thought to be labels. FA is found not to play a role in guppy mate choice, as predicted for labels.;The question whether FA in ornaments causes asymmetry in courtship behaviours has not previously been asked. A correlation between the degree and direction of male guppy ornament FA and courtship display asymmetry is presented. Possible mechanisms of this association are discussed, as are the implications to behavioural studies of bilaterally symmetric organisms. |
