Discuss the relationship between sexual selection and human reproductive behaviour.
Sexual selection 1871 is an evolutionary theory, which explain some characteristics may appear more
advantageous than others, as they increase reproductive success. These characteristics that do, such
as height are then passed down and enhanced overtime. Anisogamy refers to the biological
differences between male and female sex cells (gametes). Male gametes (sperm) are small, highly
mobile and are continually producing. Whereas female gametes (eggs) are larger, static and
produced over a shorter period. Anisogamy is also important in partner preference because it gives
rise to two types of sexual selection (mating strategies).
Inter-sexual selection between the sexes refers to the idea that members of each sex have
preferences for mates with certain characteristics. This strategy is usually adopted by females as they
prefer quality over quantity. Females make a greater investment for their offspring and invest
resources such as time, commitment, carrying the baby and after birth, whereas males invest
resources like finances. Females need to be choosier as they stand a greater loss than males.
Intra-sexual selection this is a preferred strategy of males as they prefer quantity over quality. It
refers to as mate competition, where one member of a sex compete with each other for the opposite
sex. The winning male is able to mate and pass on his genes to the next gen, thus whatever
characteristics is present in the winner is passed on.
A strength of the theory is there is research support for the idea related to Anisogamy. For example
Buss 1989 investigated the characteristics that appealed to male and females in their selection of a
partner. He surveyed over 10,000 adults in 33 countries and found that some characteristics
preferences were universal; females valued economic resources and financial stability whereas men
valued reproductive capacity such as good looks. Therefore this is a strength because it supports an
evolutionary theory of what human want in a mate reflecting sex differences due to anisogamy.
Another strength of the theory is there is research support for inter sexual selection. For example
Clarke and Hatfield conducted a research study using psychology students who were instructed to
approach both male and females on a uni campus with this question “I find you very attractive would
you go to bed me?” They found that 75% of males agreed whereas no female did. This study
supports the evolutionary theory as it shows females are more selective when choosing a sexual
partner, whereas males use a different strategy in order to increase reproductive success.
A limitation of the theory is that it does not consider all relationships, for example homosexual
relationships. For example it is suggested that mates are selected based on reproductive success and
that homosexual relationships are not natural as they serve no reproductive value. Thus this is a
limitation to the theory as it fails to explain such relationships and by suggesting that they are
unnatural it can lead to them being view negatively by society raising ethical issues.
Another limitation of the evolutionary theory is that it ignores social and cultural differences. This is
as mate selection can be affected by family upbringing, religion or social context. In the past women
relied on male financial resources, however in todays society more women are working and are
independent in terms of supporting themselves financially For example Bereczkei et al 1997 found
that women looking for a mate now advertise for men who are more family orientated, suggesting
financial resources aren’t as important as they used to be. Thus this is a limitation as this theory fails
to explain the change in mate preferences overtime and other factors which influence this choice.
Sexual selection 1871 is an evolutionary theory, which explain some characteristics may appear more
advantageous than others, as they increase reproductive success. These characteristics that do, such
as height are then passed down and enhanced overtime. Anisogamy refers to the biological
differences between male and female sex cells (gametes). Male gametes (sperm) are small, highly
mobile and are continually producing. Whereas female gametes (eggs) are larger, static and
produced over a shorter period. Anisogamy is also important in partner preference because it gives
rise to two types of sexual selection (mating strategies).
Inter-sexual selection between the sexes refers to the idea that members of each sex have
preferences for mates with certain characteristics. This strategy is usually adopted by females as they
prefer quality over quantity. Females make a greater investment for their offspring and invest
resources such as time, commitment, carrying the baby and after birth, whereas males invest
resources like finances. Females need to be choosier as they stand a greater loss than males.
Intra-sexual selection this is a preferred strategy of males as they prefer quantity over quality. It
refers to as mate competition, where one member of a sex compete with each other for the opposite
sex. The winning male is able to mate and pass on his genes to the next gen, thus whatever
characteristics is present in the winner is passed on.
A strength of the theory is there is research support for the idea related to Anisogamy. For example
Buss 1989 investigated the characteristics that appealed to male and females in their selection of a
partner. He surveyed over 10,000 adults in 33 countries and found that some characteristics
preferences were universal; females valued economic resources and financial stability whereas men
valued reproductive capacity such as good looks. Therefore this is a strength because it supports an
evolutionary theory of what human want in a mate reflecting sex differences due to anisogamy.
Another strength of the theory is there is research support for inter sexual selection. For example
Clarke and Hatfield conducted a research study using psychology students who were instructed to
approach both male and females on a uni campus with this question “I find you very attractive would
you go to bed me?” They found that 75% of males agreed whereas no female did. This study
supports the evolutionary theory as it shows females are more selective when choosing a sexual
partner, whereas males use a different strategy in order to increase reproductive success.
A limitation of the theory is that it does not consider all relationships, for example homosexual
relationships. For example it is suggested that mates are selected based on reproductive success and
that homosexual relationships are not natural as they serve no reproductive value. Thus this is a
limitation to the theory as it fails to explain such relationships and by suggesting that they are
unnatural it can lead to them being view negatively by society raising ethical issues.
Another limitation of the evolutionary theory is that it ignores social and cultural differences. This is
as mate selection can be affected by family upbringing, religion or social context. In the past women
relied on male financial resources, however in todays society more women are working and are
independent in terms of supporting themselves financially For example Bereczkei et al 1997 found
that women looking for a mate now advertise for men who are more family orientated, suggesting
financial resources aren’t as important as they used to be. Thus this is a limitation as this theory fails
to explain the change in mate preferences overtime and other factors which influence this choice.
