Outline and Evaluate the relationship between sexual selection and human reproductive behaviour

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‘RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SEXUAL SELECTION AND HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOUR’

Sexual selection is the process whereby individuals advertise both their own requirements in a mate and their own attractive characteristics as a mate. Selection involves attracting the mate with the greatest fitness whilst at the same time maximising the chances of being selected as ‘fit’ themselves. Fitness in the context of evolution theory refers to the ability to reproduce and leave offspring. How animals select their mate is crucial to the species as it has a direct effect on the gene structure within their populations, and an effect on the future of the entire gene pool.

There are two types of sexual selection. Intra-sexual selection refers to competition for reproductive success between members of the same sex – for instance males competing with other males for reproductive opportunities. An example of this is the way in which male stags fight over females. Inter-sexual selection refers to selection by females choosing from the available pool of male mates on the basis of features which they find desirable. For example, a female stickleback will choose a male to fertilise her eggs on the basis of how beautiful the nest that he builds is.  

INTER-SEXUAL SELECTION

Humans are subject to the same laws that govern lower animal behaviour. As with other, non-human animals, the fundamental goal of human behaviour is to reproduce and pass on our genes to the next generation, and so human reproductive behaviour has also been influenced by sexual selection pressures.

Evolutionary psychologists suggest men have evolved to be responsive to females who are young and attractive, since these are physical cues to a women’s reproductive value. Women on the other hand are sensitive to cues from a male that he has the resources necessary for her survival and the survival of her offspring. When it comes to selecting a partner then, women seek indicators of socioeconomic status whilst men emphasise physical appearance. The idea is supported by Buss who conducted a large cross-cultural study (37 cultures and over 9,000 participants) investigating human mating preferences. Buss’ theory did indeed support the evolutionary theory of human sexual selection finding differences in characteristics favoured by men and women. This was also reported consistent over all cultures.

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Noe & Hammerstein have likened the process of sexual selection to a ‘biological market-place’. Because it is highly unlikely that individuals will get exactly what they want, mate choice can be seen as a trade-off between what an individual wants and the demands of the pool of potential mates. This means that individuals in a strong bargaining position (.i.e. they possess desirable qualities) can increase their demands and become more selective. On the other hand, those who have fewer of these desirable qualities are in a weaker position and might have to lower their demands as a consequence (i.e. become less ...

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