Sexual selection is natural selection arising through preference by one sex for certain characteristics in individuals of the other sex. It is a common concept in animal evolution but, with plants, it is often overlooked because many plants are hermaphrodites. Flowering plants have many sexually selected characteristics. For example, flower symmetry, nectar production, floral structure, and inflorescences are among the secondary sex characteristics acted upon by sexual selection. Sexual dimorphisms and reproductive organs can also be affected by sexual selection.[1]
- ^ Ashman, Tia-Lynn; Delph, Lynda F. (1 August 2006). "Trait selection in flowering plants: how does sexual selection contribute?". Integrative and Comparative Biology. 46 (4): 465–472. doi:10.1093/icb/icj038. PMID 21672758.