Do animals fall in love at first sight?

Every species has different traits that are 'attractive' — they're showing off their DIY skills making a bower, vibrating sexy fruit fly songs, puffing up a wattle, or just having really massive moose… antlers.

Is this innate attraction like falling in love or is it more like meeting a (really hot) investment advisor?

Because these attractive traits are also messages about genes – who will make a good investment to partner with for the next generation.

Of course, one species beauty is another's turn off, and some species have a very low bar (looking at you guppies), so Hot or Not could end up being a very individual thing.

Sex is Weird is a new series of What the Duck?! with Dr Ann Jones following the sexual evolution of the animal kingdom.

Please note that this program contains adult themes and explicit language. Parental guidance is recommended.

Featuring:

Dr Bruno Buzatto, Flinders University, South Australia.

Nathan Finger, Bird of the Week podcast host.

Jason Graham, Pacific black duck conservation group, Tasmania.

Dr Victoria Austin, Western Sydney University.

Professor Rob Brooks, University of New South Wales.

Dr Judy Wang, Queensland Brain Institute.

Production:

Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer

Petria Ladgrove, Producer

Additional mastering: Isabella Tropiano.

This episode of What the Duck?! was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and the Kaurna people.