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Evolution and Human Behaviour (PSYC2537) > 6c. Sexual Selection: the biology of human mate choice > Flashcards

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

1
Q

What is intrasexual competition?

A

Competition between members of the same sex

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2
Q

Why does intrasexual competition take place?

A

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

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3
Q

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

A

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

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4
Q

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

A

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

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5
Q

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

A

Scientists, criminals, artists, musicians and writers

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6
Q

Which males have no need to compete?

A

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

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7
Q

Testosterone in relationships - testosterone levels are affected by…

A 
relationship satisfaction
divorce
type of marital system (polygamy vs. monogamy)
levels of parental care
whether it is a 'new' relationship
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8
Q

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

A

True

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9
Q

What is polygamy?

A

One man has multiple wives at once

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10
Q

How does polygamy affect testosterone levels?

A

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

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11
Q

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

A

Kenya

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12
Q

What suggests that testosterone levels in relationships is psychological?

A

High levels of testosterone in married males who have an affair

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13
Q

Marriage and competition in sport - tennis

A

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

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14
Q

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

A

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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15
Q

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

A

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

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16
Q

Testosterone levels and presence of females - research

A
  • 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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17
Q

Research - individual differences may link testosterone levels with mating effort

A

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

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18
Q

What 3 phases does the menstrual cycle consist of?

A

Menstruation
Follicular
Luteal

19
Q

What controls the 3 phases of the menstrual cycle?

A

Complex interplay between different hormones

20
Q

When is peak fertility in the menstrual cycle?

A

Between days 6-14 of 28 total

21
Q

Behavioural changes across the menstrual cycle?

A

Oestrus present in other mammalian and primate species

Enhances proceptivity and receptivity to males during fertile stages

22
Q

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

A

Concealed ovulation

23
Q

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

A

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

24
Q

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

A

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

25
Q

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

A

Good genes - attractive/healthy offspring

Good parenting - valuable qualities for long terms and nurturing

26
Q

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

A

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

27
Q

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

A

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

28
Q

Evidence for human oestrus

A

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

29
Q

Masculinity is a signal of genetic quality in terms of…

A

physical attractiveness, health, immunocompetence

30
Q

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

A

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

31
Q

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

A

Preferences are more pronounced for SHORT TERM mating opportunities

32
Q

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

A

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

33
Q

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

A

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

34
Q

What traits signal good parenting?

A

Intelligence
Good father
Faithful
‘Warm’ personality

35
Q

How does creativity signal good genes?

A

A good brain, high quality and well developed

36
Q

Does cooperation signal good parenting or good genes?

A

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

37
Q

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

A

True

38
Q

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

A

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

39
Q

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

A

FA = Fluctuating asymmetry

Because of evolved motivation to gain good genes for offspring

40
Q

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

A

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

41
Q

Evidence against preference for masculinity at high fertility

A

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

42
Q

Evidence against desire for uncommitted relationships at high fertility

A

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

43
Q

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

A

Increased sexual desire at peak fertility

Suggests might be adaptive

Evolution and Human Behaviour (PSYC2537) (14 decks)

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