9.1 The Evolutionary Explanations for Partner Preferences

Cards (43)

What is evolutionary psychology based on?
Darwin's natural selection theory
Evolutionary psychology suggests that our preferences and behaviors have evolved to enhance survival and reproductive success.
Evolutionary psychology focuses on immediate responses rather than long-term development of behaviors.
False
What is the role of natural selection in evolutionary psychology?
Enhance survival and reproduction
Adaptations are traits or behaviors that have evolved to solve survival or reproductive problems.
Match the psychology branch with its focus:
Evolutionary psychology ↔️ Long-term development of behaviors
Behavioral psychology ↔️ Immediate responses
Cognitive psychology ↔️ Thought processes
Attraction to facial symmetry is believed to be an evolved adaptation.
What is the key focus of evolutionary psychology?
Human behavior evolution
Heritability refers to traits that are inherited from parents to offspring.
Why is attraction to facial symmetry considered an evolved adaptation?
Indicates genetic health
Facial symmetry may signal genetic health, influencing attraction as a result of natural selection.
Evolutionary psychology studies how human behaviors and preferences have evolved to maximize survival and reproductive success.
What is the role of natural selection in partner preferences according to evolutionary psychology?
Influences preference for health
Traits that enhance survival are preferred in potential partners.
What does reproductive success refer to in evolutionary psychology?
Producing viable offspring
Natural selection favors traits that indicate high fertility or genetic quality.
What is the central concept of evolutionary psychology?
Natural selection
Evolutionary psychology applies Darwin's natural selection theory to human behavior
Natural selection favors traits that increase survival and reproduction.
What is the term for a trait evolved to solve survival or reproductive problems?
Adaptation
Unlike behavioral psychology, evolutionary psychology focuses on the long-term development of behaviors
Why is attraction to symmetrical faces considered an evolved adaptation?
Signals genetic health
Natural selection in partner preferences favors traits indicating good health and fertility.
What does natural selection explain in the context of partner preferences?
Why certain traits are preferred
Natural selection in partner preferences favors traits that enhance survival and reproductive success.
What is one survival advantage of preferring physical attractiveness in a partner?
Indicates fewer health risks
Youth is preferred in partners because it suggests a longer reproductive period.
Women's partner preferences have evolved to maximize reproductive success.
Why is resource provision a preferred trait in partners for women?
Enhances offspring's survival
A stable job and high social status in a partner may signal the ability to provide resources.
What is the central argument of evolutionary psychology regarding human behavior?
Behaviors enhance survival
Compared to behavioral and cognitive psychology, evolutionary psychology focuses on the long-term development of behaviors.
What does natural selection favor in the context of partner preferences?
Traits indicating good health
Natural selection in partner preferences enhances the ability to stay alive and avoid threats.
Men's partner preferences have evolved to favor traits that indicate good genetic quality.
Why do men prefer younger women according to evolutionary psychology?
Indicates higher fertility
Women's partner preferences are rooted in the principles of natural selection.
What is the evolutionary significance of protection as a preferred trait in a partner for women?
Increases offspring's survival
Cross-cultural studies have found that men value youth and physical attractiveness, while women value resources and status.
Which genetic complex has been studied for its role in mate preferences?
Major Histocompatibility Complex