6c. Sexual Selection: the biology of human mate choice Flashcards by Demi Parsons

What is intrasexual competition?

Competition between members of the same sex

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Why does intrasexual competition take place?

For access to potential mates via:
territory (e.g. lekking species)
increased desirability

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What suggests a clear evolutionary (biological) origin for intrasexual competition?

Positive link between testosterone and competition (increases motivation to compete)

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According to evolutionary theory, who is more likely to be competitive and why?

Young males (18-40), as they are most active in mate choice

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Where does evidence as to who is most competitive come from?

Scientists, criminals, artists, musicians and writers

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Which males have no need to compete?

Married males need to direct resources to partner and offspring (therefore less motivation to compete)

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Testosterone in relationships - testosterone levels are affected by…

relationship satisfaction
divorce
type of marital system (polygamy vs. monogamy)
levels of parental care
whether it is a 'new' relationship

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TRUE OR FALSE: There is no difference in testosterone levels between single males and males in ‘new’ relationships.

True

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What is polygamy?

One man has multiple wives at once

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How does polygamy affect testosterone levels?

Men who are already married but looking for more wives have high testosterone levels

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Example of a country where polygamy is used as a marital system

Kenya

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What suggests that testosterone levels in relationships is psychological?

High levels of testosterone in married males who have an affair

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Marriage and competition in sport - tennis

Anecdotal evidence that famous male tennis players do not perform as well once they are married

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Marriage and competition in sport - Farrelly & Nettle (2007)

Success measured by ATP point accrued per year

Married players’ points were lower the year after marriage compared to the year before

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TRUE OR FALSE: New fathers experience an increase in testosterone levels.

False - fatherhood further suppresses testosterone levels, and leads to longitudinal changes (i.e. more time spend with children, lower testosterone)

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Testosterone levels and presence of females - research

testosterone increases in males when interacting with female experimenter (and more so when rated as highly attractive)
Male skateboarders had higher testosterone and attempted more risky manoeuvres when observed by female

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Research - individual differences may link testosterone levels with mating effort

Extraversion (which predicts mating effort) positively correlated with male testosterone levels in a polygynous population in Senegal

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What 3 phases does the menstrual cycle consist of?

Menstruation
Follicular
Luteal

What controls the 3 phases of the menstrual cycle?

Complex interplay between different hormones

When is peak fertility in the menstrual cycle?

Between days 6-14 of 28 total

Behavioural changes across the menstrual cycle?

Oestrus present in other mammalian and primate species

Enhances proceptivity and receptivity to males during fertile stages

Why are there no behavioural changes in humans across the menstrual cycle?

Concealed ovulation

How do other animals give away which stage of the menstrual cycle they’re at?

Lordosis reflex:
Lifting of hind quarters for sexual receptivity
Swollen perineum
Bright red in certain primates

According to evolutionary theory, should females’ mating behaviour vary across the menstrual cycle?

Yes…
Increased chance of conception and ovulation
Female choice should be different when chance of conception is highest
Characteristics looked for in partners vary too

What 2 traits does female mate choice select for in males?

Good genes - attractive/healthy offspring | Good parenting - valuable qualities for long terms and nurturing

How does females' mate choice vary across the menstrual cycle?

Genetic quality is more important at peak fertility (more likely to have offspring who inherit this quality at this stage), especially for short term mating opportunities

How does females' mate choice stay consistent across the menstrual cycle?

Good parenting qualities are desirable across the menstrual cycle and for long term mating opportunities

Evidence for human oestrus

Possible to examine empirically Female preferences and behaviour can be examined across the menstrual cycle Fertility can be assess by self-report Or actual measures of different hormones e.g. progesterone

Masculinity is a signal of genetic quality in terms of...

physical attractiveness, health, immunocompetence

How do females' preference for masculine features change during the menstrual cycle?

Prefer males with masculinised FACES, BODIES and VOICES at high fertility, and feminised faces at other times

How do females' preferences for masculine features change depending on type of mating opportunities?

Preferences are more pronounced for SHORT TERM mating opportunities

How do females' preferences for symmetrical features change during the menstrual cycle?

Females prefer more symmetrical male faces, bodies and scents at high fertility

How do females' preferences for creativity and wealth change over the menstrual cycle?

High fertile females preferred creative but poor males over uncreative but rich males

What traits signal good parenting?

Intelligence Good father Faithful 'Warm' personality

How does creativity signal good genes?

A good brain, high quality and well developed

Does cooperation signal good parenting or good genes?

No effect of fertility levels across menstrual cycle on preference for cooperation --> suggests cooperation signals phenotypic benefits (e.g. kind, good provider, nurturing)

TRUE OR FALSE: Females have greater attraction to males other than their partners during high fertility.

True

TRUE OR FALSE: Females are more committed to their partners during fertile stage.

False: Females are LESS committed to their partners during fertile stage

Commitment to partners is moderated by FA of partner. What does FA stand for? And why is this?

FA = Fluctuating asymmetry Because of evolved motivation to gain good genes for offspring

Do males pick up on cues of oestrus? Research involving lap dancers

Measured tips earned by lap dancers across their menstrual cycle Earned nearly $100 more per shift during high fertility

Evidence against preference for masculinity at high fertility

No difference in preference for men with beards (signals masculinity) or facial masculinity across the cycle Neither masculine bodies or voices vary in attractiveness across menstrual cycle

Evidence against desire for uncommitted relationships at high fertility

No change in desire for uncommitted (i.e. ST) sexual relationships across the menstrual cycle

Example of a cycle effect that still remains, and what does it suggest?

Increased sexual desire at peak fertility | Suggests might be adaptive