Relationships Flashcards
What is sexual selection ?
-suggests we select a partner based on characteristics that aid successful reproduction, these characteristics are then passed on to future generations
What is anisogamy + what does this lead to ?
-differences in male and female gametes eg. male prod sperm from puberty onwards wheras women cannot produce more eggs.
-leads to intrasexual + intersexual selection
what is intersexual selection + who is it mostly used by + how does it also influence intrasexual selection ?
- used by females
- one sex has desirable preferences for a mate , those with these characterists will have a mating advantage + thereofre also influences intra-sexual selection as preferces determine areas in which competeion occurs
what is intrasexual selection ?
- competetion within same sex (usually males ) , must outcompete others
Strength of sexual selection theory (Buss research + findings)
10,000 ppl from 37 cultures rated importance of characteristics that they would prefer in a mate
found female preferences = good financial stability + ambition
men = physical apperance + youth
what is an issue with buss research
only tell us expressed preferences rather than reflecting real life choices.
However, multiple real life studies support this + also using questionnaire more valid method than using marriage data esp for arranged marriages
limitation of sexual selection theory (homosexuals)
cannot explain homosexual relationships as they do not asses genetic mating factors, although may asses certain characteristics to start a family via adoption. Therefore research not universal + not applicable to everyone
Limitation of sexual selection ( ignores social factors)
mating preferences are dependent on constantly changing social norms for example now more women working , so they may be independent + financially stable therefore not looking for a man with good finical prospects.
so outdated theory
