Evolutionary explanations for partner preferences

Question 1

Anisogamy

Answer 1

differences between male and female sex cells that leads to two types of selection:
1. intra-sexual selection theory
2. inter-sexual selection theory

Question 2

Inter- sexual selection theroy

Answer 2

• strategies that females use to select males and males use to select females
  Trivers (1972)
• females are more careful and serious about selecting the right partner as she has a limited number of fertile years
• females select genetically fit males that can provide resources and produce healthy offspring
• females use courtship to select the most suitable men to reproduce with
• making the males spend time and resources in build up to a relationship so female can check his sustainability for reproduction
• quality over quantity
• males best chance of success is to have sex as often as possible with as many different females as he can increase his opportunities to reproduce
• he may seek out females who show signs of fertility to increase further chances of success

Question 3

Sexy Sons Hypothesis

Answer 3

Fisher (1930)
* females select males who are considered to hold ‘sexy’ traits which will then be passed onto their sons
* her sons are likely to be selected by successful females who will mate her offspring, meaning this trait is passed down
* e.g. if this ‘sexy’ trait is considered to be tall height then over time this leads taller and taller men being selected (runaway process)

Question 4

Evaluation

Answer 4

+ Supporting evidence
- Too simplistic

Question 5

Supporting evidence

Answer 5

• theory suggests women are more careful and choosy when selecting a partner than men
• Clark and Hatfield (1989) found in university study where ppts were asked if they would sleep with the person carrying out the research
• 75% of male ppts agreed and no females did
• shows that females are choosier than males in terms of selecting a partner as they have a limited number of ferile years, whereas males have evolved a different strategy to ensure their reproductive success

Question 6

Too simplistic

Answer 6

• some argue theory is too simplistic
• males and fenales have similar mating strategies when looking for a long term, stable relationship
• both sexes are very choosy and look for partners who are loving, loyal and kind

Question 7

Intra-sexual selection theory

Answer 7

• strategies used between males and females to be the one who is chosen e.g. there’s competition between males to be selected to mate a female and pass on his characteristics
• competition is necessary because females are more selective and are a limited resource
• males are more likely to be attracted to youthfullness in women because they are more likely to be fertile
• females are more likely to be attracted to males who are more likely to look after them and their offspring
• men = aggressive, intelligent, and decietful to outcompete his rivals when trying to attract a female
• more aggressive males are more likely to reproduce as they are more protective of their females to prevent other males having an opportunity to get her pregnant

Question 8

Evaluation

Answer 8

+ Supportive evidence
- Outdated

Question 9

Supportive evidence

Answer 9

Buss (1989)
* carried out a survey of over 10,000 ppts in 33 countries investigating traits prefferred in a partner
* found that females placed greater importance on values such as income and high status but males valued physical attractiveness and youth as signs of fertility
* findings support predictions of theory

Question 10

Outdated

Answer 10

• critiques argue that evolutionary explanantions can no longer apply to todays society because cultural and social factors are equally as important today
• factors affecting partner preferences have changed
• more women work today and are no longer financially dependent on men
• women no longer highly value resource related characteristics in men

Question 11

Overall evaluation

Answer 11

+ Supportive evidence
- Not representative

Question 12

Supportive evidence

Answer 12

Waynforth and Dunbar (1995)
* studied a lonely hearts advertisement in American newspapers and found women offer physical attractiveness and indicators of youth whereas men offered resources
* findings support evolutionary suggestions that women seek resources whilst men are more focused on signs of fertility

Question 13

Not representative

Answer 13

evolutionary relationship ignores relationships that are not sexual and not aimed at reproducing such as homosexual relationships. Its not inclusive