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evolutionary explanations for partner preferences - Coggle Diagram
evolutionary explanations for partner preferences
anisogamy
refers to differences between male and female sex cells (gametes)
sperm
small, mobile, continuously produced with little energy
males remain fertile throughout life but cannot be sure of paternity
ova
large, static, require more energy, produced at intervals over number of years
females only remain fertile for 35 years and have limited opportunities to reproduce
inter sexual selection
female choice
females invest more time, energy and resources into raising a child than males so need to be more careful when choosing partner
need to be sure partner will provide right genetic fit, and be willing and able to provide resources
quality over quantity
females look for indicators of dominance
large jaw and prominent cheek bones
strength, intelligence
indicators of resources
prefer long term relationships and are choosy
intra-sexual selection
preferred male strategy
quantity over quality
look for signs of fertility in women
physical indicators of youth
big eyes
small nose
full lips
0.7 hip to waist ratio
males compete for female mates and the winner of the completion reproduces and passes on genes that contributed to his success
will mate with as many female partners as possible as cannot be sure of paternity
prefer short term relationships and are promiscuous
evaluation
strength- gender differences in mating strategies demonstrated by Buss who surveyed over 10,000 adults in 33 countries. found universally females place more importance on resource related characteristics whereas males put value on signs of fertility. support cross-cultural consistency in male/ female preferences
limitation- suggests people only enter relationships to reproduce however people do for other reasons such as companionship and love. for example same sex relationships, or women who have past menopause- suggesting reproduction not basis of romantic relationships. means males role of resource provider is less important than in previous generations- reducing temporal validity.