Relationships - Evolutionary Explanations For Partner Preferences Flashcards
Anisogamy
Difference between male and female gametes that influence reproductive strategies
Intra-sexual
Competition within same-sex for mates
Inter-sexual
Choosing mates based on traits (between sexes)
Parental investment theory
Trivers
What is the parental investment theory
Females are pickier when choosing mates because they suffer more consequences if their offspring don’t have attractive traits
Sexy sons hypothesis
Fisher
What is the sexy sons hypothesis
Female chooses mate with traits so son will have the same traits & has reproductive success
Feedback loops
Trait preferred is reinforced over generations
Runaway selection
Trait exaggerated despite evolutionary costs
What are sneaker males?
Males that use the female in order to pass on their genes without responsibility. Through infidelity
Sex differences in jealousy
Buss et al
What are the sex differences in jealousy
M - more jealous about sexual infidelity
W - jealous with emotional commitment with other women
What are female mate switching strategies?
Choosing genetic benefits whilst being provided for in a long term relationship
Make sneak copulation strategies
Mate outside committed relationship to increase reproductive success
Who did the Lonely Hearts Study
Buss
How many ads were in the Lonely Hearts Study?
1000
What was the Lonely Hearts Study looking at?
Language used & characteristics emphasised in dating ads
What did the Lonely Hearts Study find about men?
Attracted to youthful women
Emphasised resources
What did the Lonely Hearts Study find about women?
Looking for financial stability
Emphasised personality traits
Key studies
Parental investment
Feedback loops & runaway selection
Sexy sons
Mate retention strategies
