Evolutionary explanations for parter preferences Flashcards
(19 cards)
What does Darwin’s evolutionary explanation state?
It states that partner preference is driven by sexual selection which means males and females choose their partners to maximise reproductive success
Males and females choose partners to…
maximise reproductive success
What is anisogamy?
The differences between male and female gametes
Why do males and females have diffrent partner preferences?
They have different partner preferences due to anisogamy
What are male gametes and how are they produced?
Male gametes are sperm and are created in vast numbers from puberty to old age, they are small, mobile and they do not require a lot of energy to produce as they are continuously created
Do male gametes require a lot of energy to produce?
No, they do not require a lot of energy to produce as they are continuously created
What are female gametes and how are they produced?
Female gametes are eggs and are relatively large and are produced once a month for a limited number of fertile years and require a significant amount of energy
What is inter-sexual selection?
trategies that males use to select females OR females use to select males
What is intra-sexual selection?
Strategies between males to be the one selected by the female
Why do males invest less biologically?
Males invest less biologically than females as they can remain fertile throughout their lives and they cannot be sure of paternity
What is male reproductive behaviour like?
Males are more likely to be promiscuous and prefer short term mating strategies between multiple females
What is inter-sexual selection like in males?
To ensure offspring has greater survival chances they seek a young, attractive, fertile female
What is intra-sexual selection like in males?
They are in competition with other males to access high quality females so may show physical aggression to other males
Why do females invest more biologically?
They are only fertile for 30 years on average but they can be sure of maternity
What is female reproductive behaviour like?
They are more likely to engage in long term mating and tend to be more choosy when looking for a mate
What is inter-sexual selection like in females?
Females are more choosy to esure offspring has greater survival chances. They also seek a strong dominant male with resources
What tyoe of female do males seek?
They seek a strong dominant male who provides resources
What is intra-sexual selection like in females?
Females have less competition with other females but they are still in competition to access a high quality male who tends to now show physical aggression
What type of male do females view as high value?
One that does not show physical aggression
