Microphis deocata

   

    Pipefish sexual dimorphism, how does something like this evolve? With your knowledge of sexual selection theory, can you formulate a hypothesis that explains why female courtship might have evolved in this species? Is there anything about Pipefish biology that might support your hypothesis?  

     I believe one big factor in determining sexual dimorphism in animal species is time and energy required for reproduction between the sexes. Most of the time the females are the ones with lacking colors as they are the ones who care for the young and carry them/lay eggs. Males, again in most situations, are the ones with the stunning flashy colors because they go around reproducing with many females in order to pass on their genes. These flashy colors are a helpful determination of good reproductive fitness and good genes. 

    In this case with the Pipefish, the roles are switched between males and females. Females are the ones with the colorful patterns while males are the ones with the more drab colorations. I believe this is because male pipefish are actually the ones who are impregnated and take care of the young. It seems that males in this instance are the ones using more energy and time when it comes to reproduction as the females are the ones going around to many males passing on their genes. In most cases it seems that the sex that spends the most time and energy in reproduction and raising the young are the ones who lack color and get to be picky. Imagine using all that time and energy to reproduce and raise young AND you had to go around with flashy displays, its better that the roles are separated.