A signal is an expensive action that is taken to reveal information.

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A signal is a deliberate action or choice that is made by an individual or group to reveal certain information. Signals can be verbal or non-verbal, and can be either costly or costless. Costly signals are those that require an investment of time, effort, or resources to produce, and are generally considered to be more reliable indicators of the signaler's intentions or qualities. Examples of costly signals include peacock tail feathers, which are energetically costly to produce and maintain, but serve as an honest signal of the male's genetic quality to potential mates. In contrast, costless signals are those that require little to no investment on the part of the signaler, and may be less reliable indicators of their intentions or qualities. An example of a costless signal might be a politician smiling and waving during a campaign rally, which requires relatively little effort or investment, but is intended to signal to voters that they are friendly and approachable.

A Signal Is an Expensive Action That Is Taken to Reveal