R1. Sexual Selection And Human Reproductove Behaviour

Question 1

Sexual Selection

Answer 1

• evolutionary disadvantageous characteristics passed on because they’re advantageous for SS
• e.g. males who are aggressive, higher likelihood of protecting their partner

Question 2

Anisogamy

Answer 2

Different quantities of gametes (hella speem, 1 egg)

Question 3

Inter-sexual selection

Answer 3

‘Quality over Quantity’ favoured by females as they put more energy into development of ova. Women will be more selective due to limited reproductive resources. Women choose men who are strong and with poor

Question 4

Inter-sexual selection example

Answer 4

• Fisher’s ‘sexy son’s hypothesis’. Women choose attractive men so that their children will grow up to be attractive, and will therefore find a mate to reproduce with. Aim to keep genes in gene pool.

Question 5

Intra-sexual selection

Answer 5

‘Quantity over quality’, favoured by males as they produce sperm their whole life, with little energy investment post-coitus. Evolutionary-wise, it’s best to impregnate as many women as possible to ensure gene survival.

Question 6

Intra-sexual selection example

Answer 6

• behaving aggressively
• being protective of their female (reduces chance of impregnation by other man)
• physically larger (more desirable)
• physical features (strong jaw, broad shoulders)

Question 7

Dimorphism

Answer 7

Physical differences between males and females

Question 8

• Eval: Assuming

Answer 8

• incorrect to assume that reproductive patterns still have a strong evolutionary basis. Interactionist approach would be better, where both evolutionary and cultural evolution are combined. Women may no longer look for money in males, due to being more financially independent. Some evolutionary pressures for inter-sexual selection no longer apply in modern climate