(March 17, 2012 at 10:00 am)mannaka Wrote: If it be urged by some dreary person that these things are done to encourage reproduction, this is only putting the argument back by one notch. For why should these ornaments be attractive, sexually or otherwise" (J.E.Gordon: one of the founders of materials science and biomechanics)
Whilst I'd argue that flowers do serve functions other than looking pretty (and why we should find them aesthetically pleasing is interesting in itself) peacock feathers, or the mammary glands of homo sapiens seem unnecessarily developed.
I would say its to encourage reproduction.
Like in the video. The large flower means that more insects will help to pollinate. So more big flowers. Seems wasteful but its not if its helping it to reproduce better.
Same with all animals. Although with animals you have social aspects to take into account.
