What term is central to Darwin's theory involving competition for mates?

The correct answer focuses on the concept of sexual selection, which is essential to understanding how certain traits evolve within a species based on competition for mates. Sexual selection refers to the process by which individuals with certain characteristics are more likely to attract mates and reproduce. This mechanism was introduced by Charles Darwin and explains how specific traits, such as elaborate plumage in birds or specific courtship behaviors, can emerge because they give individuals an advantage in attracting mates, regardless of the potential survival costs associated with those traits.

In the context of Darwin's theory, sexual selection highlights the role of mate choice and competition among individuals of the same sex. The traits that are favored are those that make an individual more appealing to the opposite sex or more competitive against same-sex rivals. This concept complements the broader mechanism of natural selection but specifically addresses the dynamics of reproduction and mating behaviors.

Other terms, such as natural selection and genetic drift, refer to different evolutionary processes. Natural selection involves the survival and reproduction of individuals based on advantageous traits for survival, while genetic drift is related to random changes in allele frequencies in a population over time. Cognitive selection, while a concept that may involve selection based on cognitive abilities, is not a widely recognized term in the context of Darwin's evolutionary theories. This