Taurus Scarab Beetles (IMAGE)

Northwestern University

Taurus Scarab Beetles

Caption

A new mathematical model developed by Northwestern University researchers explains why two distinct subspecies evolve in ornamented animals: one with flashy, "costly" ornaments for attracting mates and one with subdued, "low-cost" ornaments. Here, two male taurus scarab beetles, a type of dung beetle, illustrate the subdued subgroup (left) and the showy subgroup (right).

Credit

Douglas Emlen, University of Montana

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