What does the term "high sexual dimorphism" indicate?

High sexual dimorphism refers to significant physical differences between males and females of a species. This term is often observed in species where males and females exhibit distinct characteristics that are related to their roles in reproduction, mating, or survival. These differences can manifest in various forms, such as size, coloration, or the presence of certain physical features.

In species with high sexual dimorphism, the disparity between the sexes can be striking, leading to observable traits that help facilitate mate selection or serve specific functions tied to reproductive success. For example, in some bird species, males may be more brightly colored than females to attract mates, or in certain mammals, males can be drastically larger than females, which may confer advantages during competition for mates.

Understanding sexual dimorphism is essential in areas like evolutionary biology and ecology, as it helps explain how certain traits have developed and how they contribute to the overall dynamics of mating systems and species survival.