Sexual Selection Flashcards
1
Q
Evolutionary psychology
A
- evolutionary psychology is an approach to psychology
- it explains behaviour in terms of its function and adaptiveness
- the extent to which the behaviour enhances the survival and reproduction of the individuals genes
2
Q
Natural selection
A
- the gradual process by which nature selects the forms most fit to survive and reproduce in a given environment
- characteristics that are most suited to environment are more likely to survive and reproduce
- genes that allow this to be successful are passed onto the offspring in the next generation
3
Q
Sexual selection
A
- argues if a characteristic increases the chances of reproduction then the characteristic will be adaptive because the animal will have more offspring
- the selection of characteristics that increase mating success
4
Q
The Sexy Sons Hypothesis
A
- those who mate successfully will pass on their offspring gene to their children
- it has been found that youth and physical attractiveness are desired traits in women and that potential to provide resources is a desired trait in men
- finding a generically “fit” male
5
Q
What is the central basis to the theory
A
Anisogamy : Differences between male and female sex cells (sperm and ova) which give rise to different mating strategies.
6
Q
Intra-sexual selection
A
- preferred mating strategy of the male
- “quality over quantity” means males compete to mate with as many females as possible, driving physical and psychological differences between males and females (dimorphism)
- males are sensitive to indicators of youth and fertility in females because this suits their optimum mating strategy
7
Q
Inter-sexual selection
A
- preferred mating strategy for the female
- “quality over quantity”
- means females are choosier and look for resources because consequences of a bad choice are more critical for her
8
Q
Research support for intersexual selection
A
- Clark and Hatfield; females are choosier
- male and female psych students sent across uni campus
- approached students individually asking “i have been noticing you around campus. I find you very attractive, would you..
A) come over to my apartment tonight
B) go to bed with me tonight
RESULTS:
FEMALES A: 6 B: 0
MALES A: 69 B: 75
Falls in line with evolutionary theory females do not want to engage in casual sex and are choosier than males, poor gene reproduction can be costly for a women
9
Q
Anisogamy
A
- differences between male and female sex cells which give rise of different mating strategies
10
Q
Anisogamy - sperm
A
- sperm is a gamete produced in high quantities meaning males can afford to invest in low risk
-> leading to INTRA sexual selection
11
Q
Anisogamy - ovum
A
- eggs are finite and females have a longer investment, therefore need to be choosing about partners -> quality over quantity therefore INTER sexual selection
12
Q
Victor Johnston
A
- FacePrints
- discover the importance of symmetry to attractiveness
- rate on a beauty scale
- photos with highest ratings merged together and less attractive ones were taken out
- ‘Digital Darwinism’
- each trial ended when viewer rates the composite a perfect 10 -> all of which were super-symmetric
- American, British, Japanese -> similar findings in all the groups
13
Q
Waist to Hip ratio
A
- preference for body shape that signals fertility
- Singh -> male preference was not so much for body size but for waist-hip ratio up to a point
- males generally find any hip sizes are attractive so long as ratio of one to another is 0.7
- acts as an honest signal that a woman is fertile but currently not pregnant
14
Q
Limitation: lack of temporal validity
A
- women can provide resources for themselves dont need to consistently rely on men
15
Q
Limitation: biological reductionism
A
- assumes purpose of relationships is to reproduce and pass genetics onto offspring
- not case for everyone; some dont want kids, homosexual ect.
- oversimplifies the complexity of relationships
