Digest: Longitudinal data demonstrate heightened environmental sensitivity of sexually selected trait expression.

Abstract

In a recent study, Valiya Parambil and Isvaran (2025) use an 11-year longitudinal dataset to investigate the environmental sensitivity of trait expression in variable environments at fine spatiotemporal scales. They find that a costly, sexually selected trait exhibits heightened environmental sensitivity relative to a non-sexually selected trait. The study showcases the capacity for dynamic environments to continually shape both selection and the distributions of traits upon which selection acts.