The most widely cited explanation for the evolution of reliable signals is Zahavi's so‐called
Handicap Principle, which proposes that signals are honest because they are costly to …

In various models of sexual selection mediated by the viability indicator (“good genes”)
mechanism, a sexually selected trait will truly reflect male quality if its expression is costly for …

We previously studied a good genes handicap model in which male quality was heritable
and improved offspring viability. We extend our analysis to species in which males provide …

The study of quorum–sensing bacteria has revealed a widespread mechanism of
coordinating bacterial gene expression with cell density. By monitoring a constitutively …

Current theory on the evolution of pursuit-deterrent signals predicts that it may be
advantageous for the prey to communicate to the predator its alertness and its ability to …

Background Signal reliability poses a central problem for explaining the evolution of
communication. According to Zahavi's Handicap Principle, signals are honest only if they are …

The rapid increase in the understanding of biological communication has been largely
theory driven. Game-theoretical models have completely changed how behavioural …

Alarm-calling behaviour is common in many species that suffer from predation. While kin
selection or reciprocal altruism are typically invoked to explain such behaviours, several …

Sensory traps are signal mimics that elicit out-of-context behaviors by exploiting the
adaptive, neural responses of signal receivers. Sensory traps have long been invoked in …

The validity of the handicap principle has spawned much debate in spite of the existence of
a formal treatment. Simple models constructed to further investigate the issue were able both …