In a study by P. M. West titled "The Lion's Mane" (American Scientist, Vol. 93, No. 3, pp. 226-236), the effects of the mane of a male lion as a signal of quality to mates and rivals was explored. Four life-sized dummies of male lions provided a tool for testing female response to the unfamiliar lions whose manes varied by length (long or short) and color (blonde or dark).
The female lions were observed to see whether they approached each of the four life-sized dummies.