Fecundity selection

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Fecundity selection, also known as fertility selection, is the process by which differential reproductive success among individuals in a population is the result of phenotypic traits that contribute to the production of a higher number of offspring per reproductive episode. The theory of fecundity selection, was formulated by Charles Darwin between 1871 and 1874.^[1] Along with the theories of natural selection and sexual selection, fecundity selection is a fundamental component of the modern theory of Darwinian selection. Fecundity selection is a distinct phenomenon from the viability of the progeny.^[2]

It can be a complex matter to interpret whether sexual dimorphism in animals is due to fecundity selection or to sexual selection.^[3][4]

Fecundity selection is important in populations of flowering plants where self-incompatibility systems mean that pollen from some potential mates will not be effective in forming seed.^[5] A population with genetic diversity in the self-incompatibility system will produce more offspring per plant than one with little diversity.

See also

• Fecundity

References