PAPER 3 - RELATIONSHIPS - evolutionary explanations of partner preferences INCOMLETE

Question 1

what is evolutionary explanations for romantic relationships?

Answer 1

• we form romantic relationships because they promote both a survival and reproductive advantage
• formation of romantic relationships can therefore be seen as adaptive

Question 2

what does evolutionary theory argue is the motivation behind the formation of romantic relationships?

Answer 2

motivated to ensure survival of our genes

Question 3

what do females look for in a partner according to evolutionary theory?

Answer 3

• females produce relatively few offspring so investment into offspring is high
• females are therefore choosy and select quality genes to increase chances of survival of her few offspring
• preference for long term relationships and seek males that can provide for her and her offspring

Question 4

what do males look for in a partner according to evolutionary theory?

Answer 4

• “survival efficiency” suggests males seek out to impregnate as many females as possible to ensure the survival of his genes
• means males are more concerned with quantity rather than quality and will show preference to short term relationships
• seek female is fertile, seek indicators of faithfulness to avoid cuckoldry as this would be a waste of their resources

Question 5

why do we form relationships according to evolutionary theory?

Answer 5

in order to reproduce and ensure survival of our genes, which influences what we look for in a partner and our relationship preferences (long/short term)

Question 6

what is human reproductive behaviour?

Answer 6

any behaviour which related to opportunities to reproduce and therefore increase survival changed of genes

Question 7

what are secondary sexual characteristics?

Answer 7

features that appear during puberty that distinguish the sexes but are not directly part of reproductive system e.g. enlarged breasts, facial hair

Question 8

what is dimorphism?

Answer 8

where 2 sexes of the same species have different characteristics beyond differences in sex organs

Question 9

what is anisogamy?

Answer 9

differences between make and female sex cells (gametes) - sperm/eggs

Question 10

what 2 process are involved in sexual selection?

Answer 10

inter-sexual selection
intra-sexual selection

Question 11

what is inter-sexual selection?

Answer 11

• between sexes
• members of one sex (usually females) evolve preferences in prospective mates (usually males) - determining areas which other sexes compete

Question 12

what is intra-sexual selection?

Answer 12

• same sex: mate competition
• members of one sex (usually male) compete for access to other sex (usually female)
• traits that lead to success will be passed onto next generation
• leads to male-female dimorphism (accentuation of secondary characteristics) in those with greater reproductive fitness

Question 13

what is sexual selection?

Answer 13

• evolutionary explanation for partner preferences
• explains evolution of characteristics that confer reproductive advantage
• process by which certain traits become selected as they are attractive to other sex
• genes that confer reproductive advantage will increase gene pool

Question 14

what is sexual selection driven by?

Answer 14

competition for mates and development of characteristics that ensure reproductive success

Question 15

what does successful mating involve?

Answer 15

• selecting right mate
• out-competing rivals
• engaging in right behaviours for successful conception
• engaging in behaviour for successful childrearing

Question 16

what is the role of anisogamy?

Answer 16

• no shortage of fertile males but fertile females are a rare resource leading to 2 different mating strategies and 2 types of sexual selection
• females more choosy as greater investment in offspring

Question 17

how does Cunningham support evolutionary theory?

Answer 17

• found men were most attracted to features associated with young children - large eyes, small noses - indicating preference for youthful appearance (fertility)