👉 A mating weapon, also known as a sexual dimorphic weapon or secondary sexual characteristic, is a physical feature that males develop specifically for attracting mates or competing with other males during the mating season. These weapons can range from elaborate structures like the peacock's tail feathers to more rudimentary ones like the spurs found on certain species of chickens or horses. The primary function of these weapons is to demonstrate the male's fitness and genetic quality to potential female partners, thereby increasing his chances of successful mating. This evolutionary adaptation is a result of sexual selection, where traits that enhance reproductive success are favored over others.
