> [!quote] [Evolution of social organization: phylogenetic analyses of ecology and sexual selection in weavers](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220406132404.htm) via [[ScienceDaily]] > They observed that birds living in the open savannah tended to flock together, foraging in groups to help find the best sources of seeds. The same birds also nested in large colonies and often had a polygamous breeding behaviour, pairing with multiple mates during each season. > > In contrast, the species living in the forest tended to be solitary foragers and nesters that did not flock together or live in colonies. These birds tended to be monogamous breeders with a single mate per season. > > The new study, in addition, also found that diet and habitat predicted sexual dimorphism -- the difference in appearance between the sexes. In polygamous species, the males often have more colourful and flamboyant plumage whereas in monogamous species the males and the females tend to look identical. This is a good example of [[polygamy]] and sexual dimorphism.