Why do male peacocks have such colorful feathers?

Male peacocks are known for their striking, colorful feathers, which they use to attract mates during the breeding season. While these feathers may look beautiful to us, they also serve an important biological purpose.

The feathers of the male peacock are actually a secondary sexual characteristic that is used to signal fitness to females. The more colorful and elaborate a male's feathers are, the healthier and more genetically fit he is believed to be. This makes him a desirable mate for females, who will choose him over less attractive males.

This process is known as sexual selection, and it is a type of natural selection that operates through the preferences of members of the opposite sex. Over time, this process can lead to the evolution of elaborate and extravagant traits, such as the colorful feathers of male peacocks.