Hypothesis The Fisherian Runaway Effect: A Tale of Ostentatious Ornaments

[Nihilus]

Dear Looksmaxxers
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What is the Fisherian runaway :
proposed by the eminent mathematical biologist Ronald Fisher in the early 20th century, is a captivating concept that sheds light on the evolution of extravagant male ornamentation driven by persistent female choice. Imagine peacocks strutting their resplendent tails or flamboyant birds of paradise displaying intricate plumage – these ostentatious traits appear to defy natural selection.

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The Peacock’s Dilemma​

1. The Peacock’s Plumage: Consider the majestic peacock. Its iridescent, elongated tail feathers are a sight to behold. Yet, from an evolutionary standpoint, such extravagant adornments seem paradoxical. Why would natural selection favor costly, seemingly maladaptive features?
2. Female Choice: Fisherian runaway posits that female peahens actively choose mates based on these flamboyant traits. Their preference for elaborate plumage creates a positive feedback loop. The more peahens prefer long-tailed peacocks, the more those traits proliferate in subsequent generations.
3. Genetic Correlation: Fisher extended the theory by suggesting a genetic correlation between female preference and male ornamentation. Initially, the ornament signaled greater fitness potential (more descendants). Over time, strong female preference could undermine natural selection, even when the ornament becomes non-adaptive.

Peacock mating strategy


blue eyes are perceived as an attractive trait despite the fact that it is more prone to sun damage​

From Darwin to Fisher: A Historical Journey​

1. Darwin’s Sexual Selection: Charles Darwin introduced sexual selection in his 1871 work, The Descent of Man. He posited that animals evolve traits not solely for survival but also for mating success. However, by the 1880s, these ideas faced controversy and neglect.
2. Wallace’s Disagreement: Alfred Russel Wallace disagreed with Darwin, asserting that sexual preference wasn’t a real phenomenon. Fisher, one of the few biologists to engage with the question, challenged Wallace’s stance.
3. Fisher’s Insight: Fisher countered Wallace’s objection, emphasizing that animals do exhibit mate preference based on beauty. He highlighted the remarkable secondary sexual characters, love dances, and the interest aroused by these antics in females.

Fisherian Runaway Effect and hypergamy
Hypergamy refers to the act of an individual dating or marrying someone of higher social status or sexual capital than themselves. It’s colloquially known as “dating up” or “marrying up. there is an intersection between the Fisherian Runaway and hypergamy :

1. Mate Choice: Hypergamy aligns with Fisherian runaway. Just as peahens choose peacocks with extravagant tails, human females may prefer partners with higher social status or potential. Both involve female preference shaping mating outcomes.
2. Evolutionary Implications: Hypergamy and Fisherian runaway remind us that attraction isn’t purely rational. Our choices are influenced by biology, psychology, and culture. Whether it’s a dazzling display of feathers or a successful career, mate selection remains a complex dance.

​

Consequences for Our Lives and the Dating Market​

1. Human Analogies: While peacock tails don’t directly apply to humans, parallels exist. Think of flashy cars, designer clothing, or impressive careers. These are our modern-day “ornaments.” Just as peahens choose peacocks, humans often make choices based on perceived attractiveness.
2. Dating and Attraction: Fisherian runaway reminds us that attraction isn’t purely rational. We’re drawn to certain traits, even if they seem impractical. Dating apps, social media, and real-life encounters all involve a form of “female choice.”
3. The Sexy Son Hypothesis: Modern research builds on Fisher’s ideas. The “sexy son hypothesis” suggests that women may choose mates based on traits that enhance their offspring’s attractiveness. Thus, our dating preferences may unconsciously echo this evolutionary legacy.

Zyzz is a victim of the Fisherian runway​

In summary, the Fisherian runaway effect teaches us that beauty, attraction, and mate choice are complex interplays of biology, psychology, and culture. So, the next time you admire a dazzling display – whether it’s a peacock’s tail or a stylish outfit – remember that evolution’s whimsical dance continues to shape our lives and relationships.

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Your Beloved Nihilus
​

 

[Nihilus]

bump

 

[quepasta]

good analogy
however it seems like the message of this is that women are more attracted to men with expensive cars and nice watches, which would be sexual selection

the black pill ideology is more about natural selection though, as traits such as a strong jaw and chin are beneficial for survival. is the entire point not to develop and look the healthiest?

you don’t need expensive cars to be attractive you just need natural selection features

 

[Nihilus]

sexual selection features can be like :
colored eyes
small waist ( this is a genetic failo because it cant retain inner temperature )
these features are widely accepted as attractive , but they are not that healthy

 

[Nihilus]

you don’t need expensive cars to be attractive you just need natural selection features

thats true
i didn't mean that expensive cars are the key to attractiveness

 

[Nihilus]

@sexlesstosexles you will love this

 

[urfavgoddess]

interesting that all of the sexually favorable traits are random mutations

 

[pslgodduckz]

Your Beloved Nihilus
View attachment 26153​

mirin

 

[Deleted Member 30141]

interesting that all of the sexually favorable traits are random mutations

haha, all of life comes from random mutations

blue eyes are perceived as an attractive trait despite the fact that it is more prone to sun damage

true, but also https://inside.upmc.com/can-eye-color-predict-pain-tolerance/
seemingly useless or even harmful mutations can sometimes have some advantages, but with the peacock example, yeah, its not worth it since you are more easily hunted by predators.
all in all good thread.

 

[Nihilus]

bump

 

[Deleted Member 30141]

sexual selection features can be like :
colored eyes
small waist ( this is a genetic failo because it cant retain inner temperature )
these features are widely accepted as attractive , but they are not that healthy

small waists are hellllaaaa badddd
i think it relates to less abdominal fat, which is healthy bc you dont want fat on your organs or a lot of fat in general

 

[Wilk]

Dear Looksmaxxers
******************************************************************************************************************************************************​

What is the Fisherian runaway :
proposed by the eminent mathematical biologist Ronald Fisher in the early 20th century, is a captivating concept that sheds light on the evolution of extravagant male ornamentation driven by persistent female choice. Imagine peacocks strutting their resplendent tails or flamboyant birds of paradise displaying intricate plumage – these ostentatious traits appear to defy natural selection.

​

The Peacock’s Dilemma​

1. The Peacock’s Plumage: Consider the majestic peacock. Its iridescent, elongated tail feathers are a sight to behold. Yet, from an evolutionary standpoint, such extravagant adornments seem paradoxical. Why would natural selection favor costly, seemingly maladaptive features?
2. Female Choice: Fisherian runaway posits that female peahens actively choose mates based on these flamboyant traits. Their preference for elaborate plumage creates a positive feedback loop. The more peahens prefer long-tailed peacocks, the more those traits proliferate in subsequent generations.
3. Genetic Correlation: Fisher extended the theory by suggesting a genetic correlation between female preference and male ornamentation. Initially, the ornament signaled greater fitness potential (more descendants). Over time, strong female preference could undermine natural selection, even when the ornament becomes non-adaptive.

View attachment 26156
Peacock mating strategy

View attachment 26154
blue eyes are perceived as an attractive trait despite the fact that it is more prone to sun damage​

From Darwin to Fisher: A Historical Journey​

1. Darwin’s Sexual Selection: Charles Darwin introduced sexual selection in his 1871 work, The Descent of Man. He posited that animals evolve traits not solely for survival but also for mating success. However, by the 1880s, these ideas faced controversy and neglect.
2. Wallace’s Disagreement: Alfred Russel Wallace disagreed with Darwin, asserting that sexual preference wasn’t a real phenomenon. Fisher, one of the few biologists to engage with the question, challenged Wallace’s stance.
3. Fisher’s Insight: Fisher countered Wallace’s objection, emphasizing that animals do exhibit mate preference based on beauty. He highlighted the remarkable secondary sexual characters, love dances, and the interest aroused by these antics in females.

Fisherian Runaway Effect and hypergamy
Hypergamy refers to the act of an individual dating or marrying someone of higher social status or sexual capital than themselves. It’s colloquially known as “dating up” or “marrying up. there is an intersection between the Fisherian Runaway and hypergamy :

1. Mate Choice: Hypergamy aligns with Fisherian runaway. Just as peahens choose peacocks with extravagant tails, human females may prefer partners with higher social status or potential. Both involve female preference shaping mating outcomes.
2. Evolutionary Implications: Hypergamy and Fisherian runaway remind us that attraction isn’t purely rational. Our choices are influenced by biology, psychology, and culture. Whether it’s a dazzling display of feathers or a successful career, mate selection remains a complex dance.

View attachment 26155​

Consequences for Our Lives and the Dating Market​

1. Human Analogies: While peacock tails don’t directly apply to humans, parallels exist. Think of flashy cars, designer clothing, or impressive careers. These are our modern-day “ornaments.” Just as peahens choose peacocks, humans often make choices based on perceived attractiveness.
2. Dating and Attraction: Fisherian runaway reminds us that attraction isn’t purely rational. We’re drawn to certain traits, even if they seem impractical. Dating apps, social media, and real-life encounters all involve a form of “female choice.”
3. The Sexy Son Hypothesis: Modern research builds on Fisher’s ideas. The “sexy son hypothesis” suggests that women may choose mates based on traits that enhance their offspring’s attractiveness. Thus, our dating preferences may unconsciously echo this evolutionary legacy.

View attachment 26157
Zyzz is a victim of the Fisherian runway​

In summary, the Fisherian runaway effect teaches us that beauty, attraction, and mate choice are complex interplays of biology, psychology, and culture. So, the next time you admire a dazzling display – whether it’s a peacock’s tail or a stylish outfit – remember that evolution’s whimsical dance continues to shape our lives and relationships.

******************************************************************************************************************************************************
Your Beloved Nihilus
View attachment 26153​

How does these preferences changes between species? Given that woman and men have their visual preferences universally, the attraction it selfs derives from dna. That could mean that the species preference - like monkeys x humans - change because someone had a mutation that makes them to be atracted to traits that arent socially normal but is able to reproduce more then those who had the original attraction system.
Nietzsche did well when he said Darwin ignored the will of animals.

 

[sexlesstosexles]

i was gonna post this thread last night about fisherian runway.

 

[Nihilus]

i was gonna post this thread last night about fisherian runway.

nihilus did it first buddy boyo