Sexual Selection and Human Reproductive Behaviour

• Natural selection


  The struggle to survive
• sexual selection


  the struggle to reproduce
• anisogamy


  differences between male and female sex cells and how this affects behaviour and sexual selection
• male gametes


  mobile, small, created constantly, vast numbers, long reproductive value, little energy to create
• female gametes

  large, static, limited number, small window of fertility, only created at certain times, huge energy resources
• Research support for the concept of sexual selection shaping human reproductive behaviour

  Buss, 10,000 P's from different cultures (ethnic, religious, political, economic groups). Found that women were looking for men with good financial prospects, man cared more about physical attractiveness. Strength bc there are biological differences driving partner preferences
• Research supporting anisogamy shaping jealous behaviour

  Buss, males are more jealous of their partners sexual infidelities, females are more jealous of their partners emotional infidelity. Strength bc the evolutionary theory suggests that its the biological differences that are driving behavioural differences
• Inter sexual selection - women

  Females are more likely to be choosy as they need to make sure that their mate possesses all the characteristics that will make him a good dad and supportive father
• Research supporting the concept of intersexual selection 


  Psychologist found that 75% of men were willing to have sex with a stranger whilst 0% of women were. Strength bc it shows that women are less promiscuous showing that anisogamy are driving differences in male and female behaviour
• Intra sexual selection - men

  men compete against each other for access to the other sex.
• Research support for intra sexual selection


  Lonely hearts research found that women advertise themself as 'exciting, flirty' etc, whilst men advertise themselves as intelligent, physically fit with good resources. Suggesting that males are competing with each other physically, showing the difference between how each sex describes themselves
• Relevant issues and debates

  • damaging theories
  • not inclusive (homosexuality)
  • cultural and social differences
  • alpha bias - are the differences overstated