Evolutionary explanations for partner preference Flashcards
What is sexual selection (Darwin)
Selection of characteristics that aid successful reproduction, not survival
Preferences perpetuated in future generations
What is anisogamy
Difference between male and female sex cells= basis of all human reproductive behaviour
Why are females especially selective
They make a greater investment of time/commitment/resources e.g eggs are limited to fertile years= fewer fertile females than males
What is inter-sexual selection
Between the sexes- how males/females select eachother
Who prefers inter-sexual selection
Females as need quality over quantity
-select genetically fit partner who is able to provide resources
Ronald Fisher sexy sons hypothesis
Genes we see today are those that enhanced reproductive success
-Female preferences perpetuated in male population overtime as selected trait continues in offspring
What is intra-sexual selection
Strategies between males to be the one selected
What is dimorphism
How males and females look very different due to intra-sexual selection
-e.g females compete to look more youthful and fertile
Behavioural consequences of intra-sexual selection
Aggressive males compete better so this trait is continued
Strength of inter-sexual selection
Research support for women being more selective
-e.g Hatfield sent students to ask other students for sex= no females said yes but 75% males did
Supports the view that females are choosier when it comes to selecting sexual partners
Weakness of inter-sexual selection
Strategies differ according to length of relationship
-e.g sexual strategies theory says both males/females especially selective when seeking long-term relationship
So original view that one strategy adaptive for all males/separate for all females too simplistic
Strength of intra-sexual selection
Research support
-e.g Buss survey found females placed + importance on resource-related characteristics (e.g money)/males prefered good reproductive capacity (e.g youth)
These findings reflect consistent sex differences in partner preferences and support predictions from sexual selection theory
Weakness of evolutionary explanations for partner preferences
Overlook social/cultural factors
-e.g now women work more they are less dependant on men so mate preferences may no longer concern resources the most
=Partner preferences today likely outcome of evolutionary/cultural influences so limited explanation
