Evo. explanations for partner pref.

Subdecks (3)

What is sexual selection?
An evolutionary explanation of partner preference - attributes or behaviours that increase reproductive success are passed on
Who proposed sexual selection?
Darwin
What does sexual selection concern?
Selection of those characteristics that aid successful reproduction
What is anisogamy the basis of?
Human reproductive behaviour
What does anisogamy refer to?
The differences between male and female gametes
What are gametes?
Sex cells
What are the male gametes?
Sperm
What are the female gametes?
Eggs
Male gamete (Sperm)
Small, highly mobile and created continuously in vast numbers from puberty to old age - doesn't require much energy
Female gamete (Eggs)
Large, static and produced at intervals for a limited number of years - requires much energy
What is a consequence of anisogamy?
No shortage of fertile males but a fertile female much rarer