(Emphasis mine)
That’s one of those points which bypasses so many people. Negatives are weeded out. Neutral factors aren’t affected, including traits which formerly were beneficial but now have no effect don’t disappear because they aren’t a negative. Traits don’t appear in order to solve problems or create advancement. Can’t even guess how many discussions I’ve had with students on this.
And yes, I agree with your other point. Seems like the potential for injury with physical “locks” or “ties” should be a selection pressure.
Ok @caryl and @cmills I truly have no idea what you guys are saying! All I basically meant was that this was a “tough lock”! Literally! . The rest of this is Wwwaaaayyyy over my head!!!
The benefits to staying stuck to ensure fertilization must pass on enough robust fitness genes to avoid the lock being seen as a selection pressure, I guess, but darn to an outside observer in sure seems like its a weird route to take
I mean you’re totally right! We were just saying that its interesting in nature for a mating method that can result in damage or death to both partners to be so common, considering reproductive injury or death means no more babies
. The rest of this is Wwwaaaayyyy over my head!!! 