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2022-2024 Year 13 A-Level Psychology - Relationships: Evolutionary Explanations for Partner Preferences

Psychology14 CardsCreated about 2 months ago

Sexual selection is an evolutionary process where individuals choose partners based on traits that increase reproductive success. These traits, such as physical attractiveness or resource availability, enhance the chances of passing on genes to future generations.

What is meant by sexual selection?

People choose partners to maximise reproductive success

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Key Terms

Term
Definition

What is meant by sexual selection?

People choose partners to maximise reproductive success

What is the term for when people selectively choose their partners to maximise their reproductive success?

Sexual Selection

Who proposed the idea of sexual selection?

Charles Darwin

What do we use sexual selection to explain?

Partner preference

What is a sign of genetic fitness?

Physical characteristics i.e. large muscles

How do physical characteristics lead to reproductive success?

They are passed down through generations to offspring

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TermDefinition

What is meant by sexual selection?

People choose partners to maximise reproductive success

What is the term for when people selectively choose their partners to maximise their reproductive success?

Sexual Selection

Who proposed the idea of sexual selection?

Charles Darwin

What do we use sexual selection to explain?

Partner preference

What is a sign of genetic fitness?

Physical characteristics i.e. large muscles

How do physical characteristics lead to reproductive success?

They are passed down through generations to offspring

If Females favour muscular men, How would the evoluntionary approach explain this?

The more muscular a man is, the more likely they are to be chosen as a partner, therefore the gene for muscular features will be passed down

What emotional characteristics can lead to reproductive success?

aggression/ aggressiveness

How is aggressiveness an adaptive trait that ensures reproductive success?

it provided an advantage over others when in competition for reproductive rights

If aggression is adaptive, how would the evolutionary approach explain its use in relationships

The more aggressive a man is, the more likely they are to be chosen as a partner, therefore the gene for aggression will be passed down

What is meant by Anisogamy?

the differences between male and female sex cells (Gametes)

What are male gametes?

sperm

What are female gametes

eggs/ova

What is a gamete?

cells that enable reproduction