genetic mutations and physical attraction

[gib65]

I was wondering something about how evolution works. Most leaps in evolution happen via a genetic mutation, right? But what good is an advantageous phenotype when it makes your physical appearance deviate from the norm. Wouldn't that make you "ugly"? Aren't we attracted to what looks like "normal" physical features? So if one of the side effects of genetic mutation is to end up looking like a gimp (however advantageous it may be), how would you go about finding mates to reproduce, or even being socially accepted period?

[Dak]

do you mean, like: a tail could arguably be advantageouse, but it would lower our sex appeal so how would we pass the advantageouse gene on?

[swansont]

Variation exists. People you consider ugly may be attractive to others, and this probably applies in the animal world.

[Mokele]

Well, appearance only matters sometimes. In many species, female choice either doesn't occur or is for things like size or desirable territory or vigorous mating dances.

 

Also, just as appearance is subject to natural variation within a population, so are female preferences for particular aspects of appearance.

 

Mokele

[Kleptin]

I agree, that's still the case with people now though, you still see attractive/nonattractive pairs walking around more frequently than you'd think