epigamic

American  

[ep-i-gam-ik] / ˌɛp ɪˈgæm ɪk /

adjective

Zoology.

1. serving to attract a mate, as the colors of certain birds.

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epigamic British  

/ ˌɛpɪˈɡæmɪk /

adjective

1. zoology attractive to the opposite sex

   epigamic coloration

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Etymology

Origin of epigamic

First recorded in 1885–90; from Greek epígam(os) “marriageable” ( see epi-, -gamous) + -ic

Explanation

In biology, epigamic features and behaviors, such as a male bird’s bright feathers or a special way of displaying them, help to attract a mate. In epigamic selection, members of one gender seek or choose a mate by displaying certain features or behaviors, e.g., brightly colored feathers or an elaborate dance. While epigamic traits may increase the chances of reproducing, they sometimes hinder survival chances. For example, a male peacock's massive, iridescent tail is a purely epigamic feature meant to attract peahens, but it's so big, it makes it harder to fly and escape from predators. Epigamic comes from the Greek word epigamos, "marriageable," from the root gamia, "the act of marrying."

Example Sentences

Scientists examining the ticklish subject have offered assorted explanations: mustaches are telltale signs of political conservatism or father worship, emblems of confident nonconformity, or "epigamic adornments designed to win mates, like phosphorescence in fireflies."

From Time Magazine Archive

A marked similarity will be detected between certain basic elements of aggressive and epigamic displays.

From Natural History of the Bell Vireo, Vireo bellii Audubon by Barlow, Jon C.

With this species authors have concentrated on the mechanics of the breeding season and their reports contain little discussion of the aggressive and epigamic behavior of the bird.

From Natural History of the Bell Vireo, Vireo bellii Audubon by Barlow, Jon C.

Within the scope of my research it was difficult to detect the over-all sequence of epigamic displays that result in synchronization of the physiological states of the sexes throughout the period of courtship.

From Natural History of the Bell Vireo, Vireo bellii Audubon by Barlow, Jon C.

A dummy Bell Vireo elicited both agonistic and epigamic behavior from nesting pairs, depending on the phase of the nesting cycle.

From Natural History of the Bell Vireo, Vireo bellii Audubon by Barlow, Jon C.