Take, for example, the noble peacock. It’s one of the most beautiful birds, with nearly every color under the sun. But that five-foot-long tail is also totally impractical; more of a hindrance than a help when fleeing from predators such as tigers. So why have a tail to die for?
If the male can survive despite being handicapped by handsomeness, he’s likely to be seen as hyper-healthy, a trait any prospective mother would want to pass on to her children.
So the whole point of this dandy’s dance is for the male to advertise his gorgeousness.
Among peacocks, the good-looking guy always gets the girl.