11. Male American goldfinches grow yellow feathers during the mating season and will attack another goldfinch in its territory if it also has yellow feathers. What term describes the yellow feather stimulus in this example?

Question

Jordan Mahoney

Biology

13 March, 07:59

11. Male American goldfinches grow yellow feathers during the mating season and will attack another goldfinch in its territory if it also has yellow feathers. What term describes the yellow feather stimulus in this example?

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Nathanael Ashley · Answer 1

This is called sexual dimorphism or plumage dimorphism in particular. During mating season male American goldfinches shed and grow bright yellow feather to attract female goldfinches, the brighter the color higher the chance to find a mate. During this season, the male goldfinch is aggressive in attacking males who goes into his territory.