Seduction of the hottest: How sexual selection shaped birds and human brains

Seduction of the hottest: How sexual selection shaped birds and human brains

Have you ever seen a lek? Matt Ridley has. In fact, the prolific science writer somewhat bashfully admits to having viewed “umpteenth” leks in his lifetime. After googling “lek” to make sure it’s not … what you think it is, you may be tempted to watch a video of one. If you do, you’ll witness something extraordinary. You’ll see dozens of beautifully ornamented male birds strutting their stuff in a field as the more modest females amble around. T…