Discuss evolutionary explanations for partner preferences
-Evolutionary explanations involve looking at the adaptive nature of behaviour i.e. modern
behaviour has evolved through distant ancestors overcoming previous obstacles to develop
certain characteristics. Those favoured mate characteristics that are inherited (e.g. physical
attractiveness) will then be represented more frequently in subsequent generations.
-Sexual selection is a key part of Darwin’s theory explaining how evolution is driven by
competition for mates, and the development of characteristics that ensure reproductive success
opposed to a survival advantage. It operates in two main ways -intrasexual and intrasexual.
-Intrasexual selection involves individuals of one sex outcompeting other members of their sex
in order to gain access members of the other sex. This leads successful members to be able to
pass on their genes through mating. Whatever characteristics lead to success in these contests
become widespread in the gene pool.
-Intersexual selection involves members of one sex evolving prefrences for desirable qualities
in potential mates. Members of the opposite sex who possess these characteristics will then
gain a mating advantage over those who do not.
-Sexual selection and long term preferences- it pays to be choosy as the genetic quality of mate
will determine half the genetic quality of any offspring. Females are attracted to males who are
able to invest resources in her and her children, physically protect her children, are minimal
costs to her and her children. Males are most attracted to females who display signals of fertility,
an indication of their reproductive value.
Key Study: Buss (1989)
Males and females from 37 cultures asked to rate 18 characteristics that they looked for in a
mate. Women looked for men who were good financial prospects. Men looked for physical
attractiveness and youth (signs of fertility and reproductive value). Both sexes wanted mates
who were intelligent (linked to skill at parenting) and kind (linked to an interest in long-term
relationships).
A03
1) Youth and fertility - A strength of sexual selection as an evolutionary explanation for
partner preferences is that there is research support for youth and fertility as desired
characteristics of males. Singh (1993) measured waist hip ratio preferences of ppts for
mates and found that males generally find any hip and waist sizes attractive so long as
the ratio of one to the other is about 0.7. This combination of wider hips and narrower
waist is attractive because it is an honest signal that the woman is fertile but not
pregnant. This shows the evolutionary factors are reflected through partner preferences.
2) Research support -One strength of sexual selection as an evolutionary explanation for
evolutionary explanation for partner preferences is that there is research support by
-Evolutionary explanations involve looking at the adaptive nature of behaviour i.e. modern
behaviour has evolved through distant ancestors overcoming previous obstacles to develop
certain characteristics. Those favoured mate characteristics that are inherited (e.g. physical
attractiveness) will then be represented more frequently in subsequent generations.
-Sexual selection is a key part of Darwin’s theory explaining how evolution is driven by
competition for mates, and the development of characteristics that ensure reproductive success
opposed to a survival advantage. It operates in two main ways -intrasexual and intrasexual.
-Intrasexual selection involves individuals of one sex outcompeting other members of their sex
in order to gain access members of the other sex. This leads successful members to be able to
pass on their genes through mating. Whatever characteristics lead to success in these contests
become widespread in the gene pool.
-Intersexual selection involves members of one sex evolving prefrences for desirable qualities
in potential mates. Members of the opposite sex who possess these characteristics will then
gain a mating advantage over those who do not.
-Sexual selection and long term preferences- it pays to be choosy as the genetic quality of mate
will determine half the genetic quality of any offspring. Females are attracted to males who are
able to invest resources in her and her children, physically protect her children, are minimal
costs to her and her children. Males are most attracted to females who display signals of fertility,
an indication of their reproductive value.
Key Study: Buss (1989)
Males and females from 37 cultures asked to rate 18 characteristics that they looked for in a
mate. Women looked for men who were good financial prospects. Men looked for physical
attractiveness and youth (signs of fertility and reproductive value). Both sexes wanted mates
who were intelligent (linked to skill at parenting) and kind (linked to an interest in long-term
relationships).
A03
1) Youth and fertility - A strength of sexual selection as an evolutionary explanation for
partner preferences is that there is research support for youth and fertility as desired
characteristics of males. Singh (1993) measured waist hip ratio preferences of ppts for
mates and found that males generally find any hip and waist sizes attractive so long as
the ratio of one to the other is about 0.7. This combination of wider hips and narrower
waist is attractive because it is an honest signal that the woman is fertile but not
pregnant. This shows the evolutionary factors are reflected through partner preferences.
2) Research support -One strength of sexual selection as an evolutionary explanation for
evolutionary explanation for partner preferences is that there is research support by
