2- evolutionary explanations for partner preferences Flashcards
what is sexual selection
- selecting a mate because of the characteristics they possess which may be an advantage to human reproductive behaviour
- may be attractive to potential mates and increase chances of sexual selection
what is anisogamy
sexual reproduction in which the gametes of the two sexes are dissimilar
- female gametes = large, static, produced once a month which is costly in terms of energy, limited by age (menopause)
- male gametes = small, mobile, produce vast amounts in short amounts of time, not much energy needed, unlimited by age
what is intersexual selection
- one sex competes with members of the same sex to gain access to members of the opposite sex
- successful individuals posses characteristics such as size and strength (males) which act as a reproductive advantage, can mate and pass on genes
explain females and sexual selection
- are choosy as eggs are rare, require energy, investment and time (anisogamy)
- invest 9 months in pregnancy per child and time/energy before, during and after birth
- select mate who is genetically fit, strong and healthy so traits can be passed onto offspring
- select wealthy males so they can financially look after them and future children
- might ‘test out’ males during courtship to see their commitment
- Sexy Sons hypothesis
what is the sexy sons hypothesis
females sexually select male partners with desirable traits because they would like their sons to inherit these “sexy traits”
explain males and sexual selection
- males compete with each other to mate with females
- sexually select females so have chance to have a lot of sexual selection and higher chance of reproducing lots of offspring
- can afford may sexual partners as they produce millions of sperm
- select females who are young, healthy and attractive with a small waist, curvy hips and large breasts
- males choose good-looking women as they want their children to have good looks
- appearing big/strong is an advantage as can help acquire/protect fertile females to increase reproductive success
- mate guarding
- cuckoldry
- will ensure they have financial security so women choose them
what is mate guarding
males might guard their female partner to prevent them mating with anyone else (check to see that she is not unfaithful)
what is cuckoldry
males are very fearful of their female partner getting pregnant by another male and them having to raise another man’s child
positive evaluation of sexual selection (2)
+ childless males tend to be shorter than fathers, so suggests females prefer tall males (could be programmed in genes) as they will reproduce to have tall, healthy children
+ investigation into if males prefer women’s body size or waist to hip ratio and found that waist:hip was the most attractive (small waist/wide hips) and this is a visible indicator of female fertility
negative evaluation of sexual selection (2)
- assumes everyone is heterosexual and can reproduce, we must consider homosexual couples as they choose partner based on other reasons rather than reproduction
- can cause problems in relationships because if males need to be ‘big’ then it may be an excuse to abuse power in a relationship and could justify being possessive/aggressive which curl lead to domestic violence and destructive relationships
general evaluation of sexual selection (1)
- can be gender biased
+ short term mating can have costs for women (unplanned pregnancy) but can have overall benefits for both
+ gives women the chance to leave poor quality relationships (mate switching) or produce more genetically diverse offspring so short term reproduction strategies are applicable to both - long-term reproduction strategies can be unfair to women as they are supposed to be choosy and select one mate whereas males can choose many and this explanation sees this as acceptable
describe the sociobiological theory by Buss
- investigated what people look for in a long term partner
- 10,000 participants from 37 cultures
- rate 18 characteristics using a 4 point scale
- females desired males with good financial prospects, resources and ambition
- males desired females who had reproductive value, were fertile, youthful and younger
- both wanted intelligence (good parenting) and kindness (good for long term)
positive evaluation of the theory by Buss (2)
+ evidence to support that males sexually select young fertile females, older women try to look younger (botox, plastic surgery) to be seen as more fertile so males choose them even though there is decline in fertility after 40y but males don’t worry as they are fertile at old ages
+ conducted cross culturally and the results are conclusive and consistent so universally males and females are looking for the same types of qualities
negative evaluation of the theory by Buss (1)
- many studies have used female undergrads who have high educational status and would expect high income, so would be seeking high earning males with similar educational background/income potential as many women can support themselves
