Evolutionary Explinations for Partner Preferences Flashcards
What are the stakes in the evolutionary explination of partner preferences
The person’s ability to pass on their genes
How does the theory of sexual selection differ from the theory of evolution
It explains the evolution of characteristics which confer a reproductive advantage as opposed to a survival advantage
What is the theory of sexual selection
Developed by Darwin, it explains characteristics passed down which give a reproductive advantage
What are the two ways sexual selection operates in the evolutionary explination of partner preferences
Intrasexual and Intersexual selection
What is intrasexual selection
Individualls of one sex (usually males) must outcompete other members of their sex in order to gain access to members of the other sex. Those who compete successfully are able to mate and pass down their genes, and such whatever characteristic leads to success becomes more widespread in the gene pool
What is intersexual selection
When members of one sex evolve preferences for desirable qualities in potential mates. Members of the opposite sex who possess these characteristics, such as attractiveness, will then gain a mating advantage. The preference of one sex therefore deterines the areas in which the other sex must compete
Why do mechanisms for mate choice evolve
Random mating is stupid mating, as the genetic quality of a mate will determine half the genetic quality of any offspring. Low quality mates will therefore produce low quality offspring, who will in turn not pass on genes. This means that it pays to be choosy
What are the mate preferences for females
Males who:
-are able to invest resources in her and her children
-are able to physically protect her and her children
-show promise as a good parent
-are sufficiently compatible to ensure minimal costs to her and her children
What are the mate preferences for males
Femals who:
-Display signs of fertility (youthfullness), which is an indication of their reproductive value
What is anisogamy
The difference between male and female sex cells
-Sperm is produced in large quantity, quickly replenished and produced continously from puberty to old age
-Eggs take a lot of energy to produce, are limited in number and production only lasts during fetrtile years
How does anisogamy effect mating preference
As men can never be sure a child is theirs, their mating strategy is to mate with as many women as possible, made possible with their reproductive cells. Women require a long term committment of protection and resources before they agree to mate
What is the procedure of Buss study
They took 10000 people from 37 different cultures. Participants were asked to rate each of 18 characteristics, such as wealth, on how important they would be in selecting a mate. A four point scale was used from 0 (irrelevant) - 3 (indispensable)
What did Buss study find
-Women desired men with ‘good financial prospects’ more than men did women
-Men placed more importance on physical attractiveness
-Men wanted mates who were younger than they were
-Both wanted mates who were intelligent (parenting skill) and kind (linked to interest in long-term relationships)
How do cultural traditions influence mate choice
They may be just as important as evolutionary forces. Bernstein points out that many mate preferences might stem from cultural traditions rather than evolution, for example historically women have had to rely on men for economic security, and a study of 37 cultures by Kasser and Sharma showed that women valued potential mates access to resources far more in those cultures where women’s status and educational opportunities are severely limited, showing that we shouldn’t underestimate the role of social and economic factors
How might the menstural cycle affect mate preference
Research by Penton-Voak et al suggests that femal mate choice varies accross the menstrual cycle. They found that women typically choose a slightly femenised version of a male face as ‘most attractive’ for a long-term relationship, as it suggests kindness and parenting skills. However during the high contraception risk phase of the menstrual cycle, otherwise known as for a short term relationship, they preferred faces that were more masculinised. However a more recent meta analysis was laregely non-supportive of this study, particularly the preference for masculinity when more fertile
Who suggested that mate preference stems from cultural traditions
Bernstein
Who showed that female mate preference is affected by culture
Kasser and Sharma
Who found that female mate preference is affected by the menstrual cycle
Penton-Voak
Who concluded that uni girls don’t represent all women
Buller
Who studied artsy men and non-artsy men
Nettle and Clegg
