Evolutionary explanations for partner preferences

• Sexual selection

  Explains how evolution is driven by competition for mates and the development of characteristics that ensure reproductive success
• Human reproductive behaviour

  Refers to any behaviours which relate to opportunities to reproduce thereby increase the survival chances of our genes
• Differences between male and Female gametes

  Male gametes (sperm) are extremely small, highly mobile and created continuously in vast numbers from puberty to old age, and don’t require lots of energy to produce

  Female gametes (eggs or ova) are relatively large, static, produced at intervals for a limited number of fertile year, and require lots of energy
• What two types of mating strategie/ sexual selection does antisogamy give rise to?

  Intersexual selection

  Intrasexual selection
• What is natural selection?

  It is a major process that explains evolution by passing on traits that enhance reproductive success.
• How does natural selection affect animals without advantageous traits?

  Animals without such traits are less successful at reproduction and their traits are not passed on.
• What does sexual selection explain?

  It explains why some characteristics are attractive to potential mates or provide an advantage over competitors.
• What is anisogamy?

  Anisogamy is the difference between male and female sex cells.
• Describe male gametes.

  Male gametes are extremely small, highly mobile, created continuously in vast numbers from puberty to old age, and do not require much energy to produce.
• Describe female gametes.

  Female gametes are relatively large, static, produced at intervals for a limited number of fertile years, and require a huge investment of energy.
• Why do men find younger, physically attractive women appealing?

  Because younger women are more likely to be fertile, increasing the chance of reproductive success.
• Why are women more 'choosy' in partner selection?

  Women are more choosy because they have a limited number of children they can have in a limited number of years and want a high-quality partner.
• What factors were investigated in the research on partner preferences?

  The effect of BMI and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) on female attractiveness.
• What was found regarding the most attractive BMI and WHR in the research?

  The average weight and WHR of 0.7 were found to be the most attractive and healthy.
• What are the two main mating strategies discussed?

  1. Inter-sexual Selection:

  • Preferred strategy of females
  • Focus on quality over quantity
  • Females invest time and commitment
  • Males compete to impress females

  
  

  1. Intra-sexual Selection:

  • Preferred strategy of males
  • Focus on quantity over quality
  • Males produce lots of sperm
  • Compete with each other to be seen as the best
• What is the runaway process according to Fisher's theory?

  It is when a female mates with a male with a desirable characteristic, and this trait is inherited by the son, increasing the likelihood of successive generations inheriting the trait.
• What is the preferred strategy of females in mating?

  The preferred strategy of females is inter-sexual selection, focusing on quality over quantity.
• What is the preferred strategy of males in mating?

  The preferred strategy of males is intra-sexual selection, focusing on quantity over quality.
• Who conducted research on male and female preferences in long-term partners?

  David Buss
• What did Buss' research examine?

  It examined male and female preferences across 37 different cultures and 10,000 adults regarding partner selection.
• What did Buss' research find regarding women's preferences?

  Women preferred mates with good financial prospects and ambition more than men did.
• What did Buss' research find regarding men's preferences?

  Men preferred mates who were younger and more physically attractive.
• What are some evaluations of Buss' research on partner preferences?

  • Findings can be applied across vastly different cultures.
  • Shows that sexual preferences are not dependent upon social norms.
  • Does not account for social and cultural influences.
  • Fails to consider infertile individuals and homosexual individuals.
  • Reductionist approach.
  • Contradictions between natural and sexual selection.
• What are some factors that have changed social norms of sexual behavior?

  Factors include contraception and women entering the workplace, leading to less dependency on men.
• Why is Buss' research considered reductionist?

  Because it simplifies complex human behaviors and preferences into basic categories without considering other influencing factors.
• What does Buss' research highlight about intelligence in partner selection?

  Both men and women highlighted the importance of intelligence in partner selection.