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