Interpersonal Relationships
Lecture 2: evolutionary perspectives on mating and relationships
1. Variation
2. Heritability
3. Selection
In the 70s there was sociobiology: certain behaviors (A) just like certain physical traits, have
more survival and reproduction (adaptive/fitness) value than other behaviors (Aalt). Genes
associated with behavior A will, over generations, increase in population (Aalt will die out).
Two classic sociobiology examples
1. Fear for potentially deadly animals (predisposed avoidance).
2. Preference for certain foods (predisposed approach).
Similar: interpersonal mate preferences/attraction
Example: male preferences for certain characteristics in women have evolved.
‘Men are designed to be attracted to women with certain features that correspond with
fertility.’
‘Humans may be designed to form long-term relationships.’
Ultimate (why) versus proximate (what) explanation of human preferences and behavior.
There is nothing intrinsically beautiful about beauty. Attraction for certain traits evolved
because it was ‘adaptive’.
When is a biological or psychological trait adaptive?
1. Survival natural selection
2. Reproduction sexual selection. Traits with reproduction advantage are selected.
Including traits that attract potential mates (intersexual selection) and traits that aid
intrasexual competition.
Lecture 2: evolutionary perspectives on mating and relationships
1. Variation
2. Heritability
3. Selection
In the 70s there was sociobiology: certain behaviors (A) just like certain physical traits, have
more survival and reproduction (adaptive/fitness) value than other behaviors (Aalt). Genes
associated with behavior A will, over generations, increase in population (Aalt will die out).
Two classic sociobiology examples
1. Fear for potentially deadly animals (predisposed avoidance).
2. Preference for certain foods (predisposed approach).
Similar: interpersonal mate preferences/attraction
Example: male preferences for certain characteristics in women have evolved.
‘Men are designed to be attracted to women with certain features that correspond with
fertility.’
‘Humans may be designed to form long-term relationships.’
Ultimate (why) versus proximate (what) explanation of human preferences and behavior.
There is nothing intrinsically beautiful about beauty. Attraction for certain traits evolved
because it was ‘adaptive’.
When is a biological or psychological trait adaptive?
1. Survival natural selection
2. Reproduction sexual selection. Traits with reproduction advantage are selected.
Including traits that attract potential mates (intersexual selection) and traits that aid
intrasexual competition.
