sexual selection Flashcards
what is sexual selection?
Sexual selection is a type of natural selection and competition for mates along with the development of characteristics that aid reproductive success drive evolution.
what is anisogamy?
refers to a difference between male and female sex cells.
describe anisogamy
male sex cells are produced in large quantities and quickly replenished however female sex cells take a lot of energy to produce and are created in limited numbers.
what is inter sexual selection
this is based on female choice because its based on the idea that due to a greater investment of time, energy and resources required for raising a child. they need ti make sure their partner will be willing to provide resources
what is sexual dimorphism
this is being able to see obvious differences between males and females. where males have charectaristics that serve to attract females
what does sexual dismorphism support
supports the idea that males are competing for the attention of females
what is intra sexual selection?
this is a preferred male stratergy. features that allow males to compete with each other for female mates. the winner can pass their genes to their offsprings and contribute to his success
evaluation : strength
buss research of
“what they would look for in their partner “
buss questioned 10,000 adults in 33 countries about mate choice preference.
he found that females preferred resource based charectaristics whereas males preffered physical attractiveness and youth.
what does buss study support?
this was true across all countries surveyed and supports the difference in mate choice preferences related to anisogamy
evaluation: strength
clark and hatfeild campus study
when male and female university students were propostioned by an opposite sex stranger on campus 75% males agreed and no females agreed.
what does clark and hatfeilds study support
(campus)
supports the evolutionary theory that females are much choosier than males when it comes to selecting mates
evaluation: weakness
social and cultural changes
the theory doesn’t account for social and cultural changes which may affect reproductive behaviour. over time there has been a reduction in female dependancy on their partner
why is social and cultural changes a weaknesss
in modern society mate choices is more likely to be influences by more factors than just evolutionary preferences
evaluation: weakness
evolutionary reductionism
suffers from evolutionary reductionism as they argue that strategies are a result of genetic inheritance however individual differences also play a role. e.g fails to account for homosexual relationships where theres no evolutionary advantge.
