Relationships: Sexual Selection And Human Reproductive Behaviour

Question 1

What is evolutionary psychology?

Answer 1

It explains behaviour in terms of its functions and adaptiveness, the extent to which the behaviour enhances the survival and reproduction of the individuals genes

Question 2

What is natural selection?

Answer 2

The gradual process by which nature selects the forms most fit to survive and reproduce in a given environment. The individuals with characteristics that are most suited to the environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, the genes that allowed them to be successful are passed onto the offspring in the next generation. We have evolved adaptive behaviours to ensure survival

Question 3

What is sexual selection?

Answer 3

Where characteristics individuals possess are not immediately beneficial to their survival, but are adaptive if the characteristic increases the chances of reproduction, because the individual will have more offspring. Sexual selection is the selection of characteristics that increase mating success, for example, if a male has a universally preferred characteristic by females, he will have greater reproductive success