The Evolutionary Explanation

• What is the activity about in pairs?

  Choosing an animal and discussing characteristics
• What is the purpose of discussing characteristics in the chosen species?

  To identify traits that might be naturally selected
• What is the 'sexual selection' theory proposed by Darwin?

  Males use necks and heads for dominance
• What does "Survival of the ‘Sexiest’" refer to?

  Ability to attract and reproduce effectively
• How are natural and sexual selection different?

  They are separate processes affecting traits
• Why do male peacocks have showy feathers?

  To attract mates and pass on genes
• What is anisogamy?

  Differences between male and female sex cells
• How does anisogamy affect reproductive investment?

  It creates differences in reproductive investment
• What is intra-sexual selection?

  Mate competition among one sex, usually males
• What is sexual dimorphism?

  Differences in appearance between sexes
• How does size affect male competition in sexual selection?

  Larger males have an advantage in competitions
• What is inter-sexual selection also known as?

  Mate choice or 'the battle of the sexes'
• What happens if females prefer tall males?

  Tall males increase in the population over time
• What do indicators like tallness signal to the opposite sex?

  Good genes likely to produce successful offspring
• What is Trivers' (1972) view on female investment?

  Females invest more time and commitment
• What is the female's mating strategy according to Trivers?

  Select a genetically-fit partner for resources
• What is the 'sexy sons hypothesis' developed by Fisher?

  Genes enhancing reproductive success are passed on
• What happens when a female mates with a male with a 'sexy' trait?

  Her sons inherit the 'sexy' trait
• What was the result of Clark and Hatfield's (1989) study?

  75% of males agreed to the proposition
• What does the study by Clark and Hatfield support?

  Females are choosier than males in partners
• What are the implications of different partner preferences between sexes?

  They adopt different mating strategies
• What is the relationship between Katie and Ryan based on evolutionary theories?

  Ryan is attracted to Katie's youth and fertility
• What is the relationship between Nina and Keith based on evolutionary theories?

  Keith may have limited resources for Nina
• What does Buss's (1989) research support regarding partner preferences?

  Females value resources more than males do
• What does Buss's research suggest about sex differences?

  Supports sex differences in partner preferences
• What is a limitation of sexual selection theory?

  It is too simplistic in its explanations
• In Buss's research, who preferred resource-related characteristics more?

  Women preferred them more than men
• What is true about sexual selection's role in evolution?

  It plays a role in species evolution
• What is true about natural selection's role in evolution?

  Species evolve through adaptation to environment