Sexual Dimorphism?

Question

Why are males larger than females, more equipped with weapons (like larger canines) and more brightly colored? What are the two forms of selection that explain these and why do they act strongly on males?

Answer 1

ahahaha. i'm stuck on this exact question on this take home final too. lol. great minds think alike.

Answer 2

Males often protect the group or fight to protect a territory.  The males may need to fight other males to win over a female or they may need to fight predators.  Baboon society provides a good example of this as do chimps.  A song bird, such as a robin is more brightly colored to look impressive to both its potential mate and to rivals.  When females select the male, it makes sense that males would evolve feature that make them more attractive.  This might include such things  size, color, things to make it look bigger like a peacock tail, frills on a lizard etc.