evolutionary explanations for partner preference Flashcards
What is sexual selection?
Certain attributes and behaviours that increase reproductive success are passed in and may become exaggerated over succeeding generations of offspring.
Example: A male peacock’s tail is a sign of genetic fitness, leading females to produce more robust offspring.
What does human reproductive behaviour refer to?
Behaviours related to opportunities to reproduce and increase the survival chance of genes.
Define anisogamy.
Refers to male and female sex cells, where male gametes are small, mobile, and produced in vast numbers, while female gametes are large, static, and produced in limited amounts.
Why is anisogamy important in sexual selection?
It gives rise to two types of sexual selection based on partner preference.
What is inter-sexual selection?
Strategies that males use to select females or females use to select males, with a preference strategy for females.
Who pointed out that females make a greater investment in offspring?
Trivers.
What is the consequence of choosing the wrong partner for females?
It can impact a female more significantly, leading her to be especially selective.
What characteristic is considered attractive by females in mate selection?
Height.
What is the ‘sexy sons hypothesis’ developed by Fisher?
The genes that enhance reproductive success are passed on, leading to sons inheriting attractive traits from their fathers.
What is intra-sexual selection?
Strategies within each sex, such as competition between males to be selected by females.
What is preferred in intra-sexual selection among males?
Quantity over quality.
How does competition between males affect reproduction?
The winner of the competition reproduces, passing on characteristics that contributed to his victory.
What is sexual dimorphism?
Males and females look very different due to intra-sexual selection.
What do males prefer when selecting females?
Younger, more fertile women.
What behavioral characteristics may be favored in males due to intra-sexual selection?
Aggressiveness to outcompete rivals.
True or False: Both sexes are choosy in mate selection.
True.
