Relationships : Evolutionary Explanations Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is the main evolutionary drive behind human reproductive behaviour?
The need to survive and reproduce, ensuring offspring survive to adulthood.
What is sexual selection?
A form of natural selection acting on individuals’ ability to compete for and attract mates.
What is intersexual selection?
Also known as mate choice – when one sex (typically females) selects mates based on desirable traits.
Why are females typically more selective in intersexual selection?
Because they invest more in offspring (e.g., time, energy), so they choose high-quality mates.
What is intrasexual selection?
Also known as mate competition – when members of the same sex (usually males) compete for access to mates.
Why do males usually compete in intrasexual selection?
Due to lower parental investment and a desire to reproduce with many partners.
What is male-female dimorphism?
Physical differences between sexes (e.g., size, shape) due to sexual selection, often enhancing attractiveness.
What traits do females typically look for in males?
Resources, strength, dominance (e.g., tall, V-shaped chest), ability to raise a child.
What traits do males typically look for in females?
Fertility indicators: youth, large breasts, 0.7 waist-to-hip ratio, signs of sexual maturity.
How do Dunbar and Waynforth’s findings support evolutionary theory?
Dunbar and Waynforth’s (1995) content analysis of dating ads found that males were more likely to seek youth, while females were more likely to seek economic status. This supports evolutionary theory by showing that men prioritise signs of fertility, while women value resource availability. These patterns align with the reproductive strategies predicted by sexual selection theory.
How do Clarke and Hatfield’s findings support intra- and intersexual selection?
Clarke and Hatfield (1989) found that 75% of males agreed to casual sex with a stranger, while 0% of females did. This supports the idea that men are more driven by intrasexual competition and aim to reproduce frequently, while women are more selective, consistent with intersexual selection.
What is one gender-related criticism of the evolutionary approach to mating behaviour?
The evolutionary approach can be criticised for promoting a gender double standard, suggesting it’s biologically natural for men to seek multiple partners but not women. This may reinforce outdated social norms and stigmatise female sexuality. These assumptions reflect alpha bias, exaggerating differences between men and women.
Why is the evolutionary theory limited in explaining modern human behaviour?
Evolutionary theory struggles to explain behaviours like same-sex attraction, where reproduction is not the goal. If sexual behaviour evolved solely for reproduction, then non-reproductive sexual preferences are difficult to account for. This limitation weakens the theory’s universality.
