RELATIONSHIPS ( EVOLUTION EXPL)

Question 1

define sexual selection

Answer 1

Ability to attract/find a mate and reproduce successfully. Attributes and behaviour’s that increase reproductive success are passed on .

Question 2

Outline Inter sexual

Answer 2

Inter sexual selection describes the tactics employed by females when choosing a mate. Typically females demonstrate a greater level of selectivity and prioritize quality over quantity.

Question 3

Outline A03 support for inter-sexual selection

Answer 3

As stated by Robert Trivers (1972) females invest considerable time , commitment , and resources before , during , and after the birth of their offspring.

Ronald Fisher ( 1930 ) ‘sexy sons hypothesis’ if a female selects a male possessing a coveted trait , her sons are likely to inherit that attribute continuing the preference

Question 4

Outline Intra - sexual selection

Answer 4

Intra-sexual selection refers to the tactics employed by males to become the chosen mate for females, placing the greater emphasis on quantity than quality due to their abundant sperm supply .
Females are chosen based on their youthfulness and fertility.

Question 5

Outline AO3 supporting intra-sexual selection

Answer 5

Aggression in males can prove advantageous in obtaining fertile mates and safe guarding them from competing males eg. in the animal world

Question 6

Evaluate the sexual selection theory

Answer 6

Strength:
Buss ( key study ) conducted a study with over 10 000 adults from 37 countries . They were asked questions pertaining to partner preference attributes predicted by evolution theory

They found that females placed greater emphasis on resource- related characteristics eg financial prospects and ambition , while males focused on physical attractiveness.
This supports the sexual selection theory.

LIMITATION:
The influence of society and culture on partner preferences.

Development like availability of contraception have undoubtedly influenced partner preferences.

Additionally women’s increased participation in the workforce has reduced their dependence on men for financial support. Resource-oriented characteristics may no longer be prioritized . Therefore , partner preferences may be a result of a complex interplay between evolutionary and cultural factors.

LIMITATION : OVERSIMPLIFIED

Buss’s sexual strategies theory proposes that both genders adopt similar mating strategies when seeking long term relationships eg. affectionate , faithful and compassionate

This theory acknowledges the complexity of evolutionary pressures on preferences and consiers the complex context of reproductive behaviour