2 and 3 Flashcards
Question/Term
Answer/Definition
What is harem building?
A strategy where a dominant individual forms exclusive relationships with multiple partners, often for mating.
Why do male lions build harems?
To control access to females, mate with them, and protect them from rivals.
What is the purpose of harems in elephant seals?
To ensure the dominant male has exclusive breeding rights with multiple females.
How does evolutionary psychology view sexual selection?
It explains behaviors that evolved to maximize reproductive success.
What does the Red Queen Hypothesis explain?
Sexual reproduction helps species keep up with ever-changing environments and threats.
How does polygyny differ from polyandry?
Polygyny involves one male with multiple female partners, while polyandry involves one female with multiple male partners.
What is the relationship between harem building and reproductive success?
It ensures that dominant individuals pass on their genes to more offspring.
What role does competition play in male reproductive strategies?
Males compete for mates, often forming harems to maximize their reproductive chances.
What did Helen Fisher argue about human monogamy?
She suggested monogamy is the rule in humans, but exceptions are optional and opportunistic.
What is the significance of cultural norms in partner selection?
Cultural factors influence mating practices, such as monogamy or polygamy.
What are the main reproductive strategies in mammals?
Monogamy, polygyny, polyandry, and promiscuity.
How does resource control impact harem building?
Individuals with access to resources are more likely to attract and maintain multiple partners.
What is the role of testosterone in male dominance?
Higher testosterone levels are associated with increased competitiveness and mate-seeking behavior.
What are the different types of love in ancient Greece?
Eros (passion), Philia (friendship), Storge (familial love), Agape (universal love), Ludos (playful love), Pragma (mature love), and Philautia (self-love).
How does Agape differ from Eros?
Agape is selfless love extended to all, while Eros focuses on sexual passion.
What is the connection between harem building and social status?
Higher social status often correlates with the ability to maintain a harem.
What did Stephen Mitchell say about safety and adventure in relationships?
He argued that people seek both stability and novelty in love.
What is ‘instrumentality’ in attraction?
It refers to how a partner helps us achieve our goals, influencing attraction.
What is the ‘mere exposure effect’?
Repeated exposure to a person increases our positive feelings toward them.
What is the concept of ‘complementarity’ in relationships?
It suggests that partners can have different but complementary traits.
What is the kin altruism hypothesis?
It proposes that individuals may shift effort from mating to supporting relatives if mating prospects are low.
How does competition affect male behavior in polygynous species?
Males compete intensely for access to multiple females.
What did Freud mean by ‘primary narcissism’?
It describes the newborn’s focus on self, which shifts outward over time.
What is the ‘holding environment’ in child development?
The emotional support provided by a caregiver to foster autonomy.
What is the role of fantasy in love according to Mitchell?
Fantasy makes romantic love unique and is an essential part of relationships.
What did Fromm argue about love being a verb?
He said love requires ongoing action and is not just a passive state.
What is the relationship between love and kindness according to George Saunders?
He emphasized that being kind is one of the most important aspects of love.
What is the role of grooming in animal bonding?
Grooming releases endorphins, promoting social bonding and reducing stress.
How does oxytocin influence maternal behavior?
It promotes bonding and emotional stability in mothers.
What is the difference between polygamy and polyandry?
Polygamy involves multiple spouses, while polyandry specifically involves one woman with multiple husbands.
What are the physiological effects of attraction?
Increased heart rate, sweating, and pupil dilation.
What is the significance of the Oneida Community?
They practiced ‘complex marriage,’ where romantic exclusivity was discouraged.
