Which term describes the process where one mate selects another based on traits like coloring or behavior?

The correct term to describe the process where one mate selects another based on traits like coloring or behavior is intersexual selection. This concept is a key aspect of sexual selection, which is a form of natural selection focused specifically on the reproductive success of individuals based on their ability to attract mates.

In intersexual selection, individuals of one sex (typically females) choose mates based on specific characteristics that are often indicators of genetic quality or fitness, such as bright coloration, elaborate displays, or particular behaviors. This preference can lead to the development of pronounced traits in the chosen sex over generations, like vibrant plumage in birds or complex mating rituals.

The other terms refer to different processes. Intrasexual selection relates to competition among individuals of the same sex for access to mates, natural selection encompasses broader survival and reproduction factors beyond mating behaviors, and mutualistic selection would imply a relationship where both parties benefit in a non-reproductive context, which does not apply to mate selection directly. Understanding these distinctions enhances one’s grasp of evolutionary biology and the various factors influencing species diversity and reproductive strategies.