Cognitive skills like problem-solving and learning have been linked to survival, with smarter individuals generally faring better in gathering resources and avoiding dangers.

Future research is set to delve deeper into the mating behaviors of more intelligent males compared to their less intelligent counterparts.

Recent research has revealed that male mosquitofish exhibiting superior cognitive abilities are more likely to mate, indicating that intelligence may enhance reproductive fitness.

The collaborative study, involving scientists from Australia, Germany, and South Africa, was published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.

Intelligent males may have an advantage in navigating social dynamics, as they can better manage interactions with females who often disperse to avoid harassment.

Historically, the development of intelligence in animals has been attributed primarily to survival advantages, such as improved foraging and predator evasion.

Dr. Ivan Vinogradov, the lead author of the study, emphasizes that while natural selection has been the focus, the role of sexual selection in intelligence evolution is equally important.

This finding suggests that sexual selection, alongside natural selection, significantly influences the evolution of intelligence, particularly in males.