Kevin Simler

@sarahdoingthing @adamdangelo Yes, males benefit from runaway. Females benefits from honest signals. But who benefits from *handicaps*?

@KevinSimler @adamdangelo both because handicaps are honest signals and they reduce the costs of mate selection

@KevinSimler @adamdangelo how else would you signal fitness? nature is cruel & horrible

@sarahdoingthing @adamdangelo Facial symmetry is a signal of a strong immune system(?), but isn't costly to carry around. Just hard to fake.

@KevinSimler @adamdangelo yup see previous link - it's possible but not universal, as in human economic systems

@sarahdoingthing @adamdangelo So...do straight up "make life harder (for males)"-type handicaps exist? Or only liar-prevention handicaps?

@sarahdoingthing @adamdangelo (Forgive me if I'm still not getting it.)

@KevinSimler think of testosterone - reduces lifespan, but improves mating chances. How much is "handicap"? Context matters...