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Ch. Fishes

(Rough. M.S. Descent of Man)

it is surprising that they have not acquired through sexual selection greater size & strength than the females. They suffer indeed from their small size, for according to M. Carbonnier they are liable to be devoured by the females of their own species when carnivorous (as occurs with  the small  males of species). & no doubt by other species. The Large dimensions of the female must be in some way more important for  to the welfare of the species  females, probably to allow of the production of a vast number of ova, than the acquirement of strength & size by to the rival males for fighting with other males.

(With respect to ornaments, the males of alone of several species several  several  a considerable number  many species are decorated exclusively or in a much higher degree than the females  with bright colours, & they are possess  sometimes exclusively provided with  appendages apparently of no more direct  or ordinary  use that the tail-feathers of the peacock. I am indebted for most

Charles Darwin

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