What term is used for the selection of mates based on specific heritable traits?

The term that refers to the selection of mates based on specific heritable traits is known as sexual selection. This concept is a form of natural selection where individuals with certain traits are more attractive to potential mates, thereby increasing their chances of reproducing and passing on those traits to the next generation. Traits that may influence mate choice can include physical characteristics, such as coloration or size, as well as behavioral traits, such as courtship displays or nesting skills.

Sexual selection can lead to the evolution of pronounced differences between males and females in certain species, known as sexual dimorphism. This process is crucial in understanding how certain traits are favored in specific environments based on mating preferences, ultimately shaping the genetic structure of populations over time.