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sexual selection in humans - Coggle Diagram
sexual selection in humans
Female Mating Preferences
Pretense for good qual genes
symmetry: indicator of genetic stability
Masculinity: costly signal & immunocompetence (varies with reproductive strategy)
height: alot of recorses and genetically stability
female preference for investment
human child investment is highly costly - not restricted to gestation modern society makes this easier e.g. childcare
fitness requires investment from both males and females = more the physical attributes being selected for
woman priorities indicators of ability and willingness to invest
preference for high status males: signal resources (money) and protection
men compete & protect status
display status symbols
prefrence for older men
status increase with age
Buss (1989) - 37 cultures, 10,000 participants
woman consistently rated economic resources important and traits associated ( hard work, ambition)
Male mate preferences
less choosy about short-term partners but are choosy about long-term partners
good genes
physical attractiveness
unlike animal female humans are highly ornamented - requirement for parental investment = compete for mates
avoidance of cuckoldry - unknowingly raising another males offspring
lack of promiscuity
(kin selection) don't want to invest in different genetics, too costly - sexual infidelity seen as the least desirable trait. men developed strategies e.g. jealousy &mate guarding tactics. female down play sexual experience.
mate with a woman capable of bearing offspring ( female fertility varies more)
youth
ovulation is difficult to detect - assess capability of conception instead : fertility declines with age= cross culturally men prefer woman 2 and a half years younger (buss, 1989)
body shape
WHR = diameter of the waist to hip ratio (0.7 preferred) - could be a signal of fertility and health. omega- 3 fat (DHA) is a protective fat, woman with high DHA and their offspring have better cognitive abilities. DHA is stored on hips and thighs = hourglass figure. Also smaller waist are less likely to be pregnant before