Question

An example of natural selection is the tail of a male peacock. The females of the species choose mates based on the colors of the males’ tail feathers. If females begin using different criteria than feather color when they choose mates, what would most likely happen to the tails of peacocks over time?

Answer 1

The answer is actually

increased variation in tail feather color because the selection pressure has been relieved

Good luck!

-RxL

Answer 2

Since the means of reproduction have changed, the population of peacocks would probably start losing their pretty feather colors due to the fact that over time females would be mating with the containing the other trait (and possibly not the pretty feathers). This would then produce offspring with ugly colors but also with the desired trait. This would continue on and on until those with the desired trait outnumbered or possibly extinguished the now unnecessary vibrant feather colors.