Evolutionary psychology Flashcards
Who was Charles Darwin, and what did he contribute to psychology?
English naturalist, geologist, and biologist who published The Origin of the Species in 1859, introducing natural selection.
What are two concepts introduced by Darwin that go beyond survival?
Sexual selection: Traits that attract mates or outcompete rivals (e.g., peacock tails).
Group/Kin selection: Altruism that increases group survival, making altruism an adaptive trait.
What is evolutionary psychology?
Theoretical approach examining psychological processes as adaptations evolved to solve ancestral survival and reproductive problems.
What are examples of behaviors considered adaptive traits?
Mate preferences and sexual jealousy.
Why are females considered the more selective sex in mate preferences?
Females invest more in reproduction (e.g., pregnancy, childbirth) and prefer mates with good genes or resources.
What traits do males prioritise when selecting mates?
Youth, fertility, and traits indicating reproductive success.
Why do males prefer youthful-looking features in females?
Youthful features (e.g., big eyes, small nose) signal fertility and higher chances of reproductive success.
What did Shackelford et al. (2005) find about male preferences?
Males idealised female faces resembling 14-year-old’s, indicating preferences for youthful proportions.
What is the optimal WHR for females, and why?
0.7; it signals fertility, youth, and health, supported by studies (Singh, 1993; Singh, 2010).
How does menopause affect WHR?
Testosterone increases during menopause, leading to a higher waist-to-hip ratio.
How does skin condition relate to male mate preferences?
Smooth, even skin tones and facial redness (linked to ovulation) indicate youth, fertility, and hormonal health.
What masculine traits do females find attractive, and why?
Strong jawlines, defined features, and muscular bodies
All show high testosterone, fitness, and good genes.
How does testosterone relate to masculinity?
Suppresses the immune system, making it an “honest signal” of quality if males can overcome its effects.
