Sexual selection can be used to explain certain characteristics or behaviours which increase an individual’s reproductive success. These characteristics may get exaggerated over evolutionary time. In humans, these characteristics may include good physical and mental health, as well as physical features such as good looks etc. these characteristics are attractive because they show an ability to reproduce and pass on these genes to offspring. There are two types of sexual selection, intrasexual and intersexual. Intrasexual selection is the evolution of characteristics that enable an individual to compete with their rivals whereas intersexual selection is the evolution of characteristics that are attractive to a mate. An example of this would be a peacock’s tail. The peacock with the ‘best’ tail (longest and brightest etc.) is considered to be more attractive to the peahen and therefore he is more likely to reproduce and pass on his genes to the next generation. Buss, 1989, found evidence to support this. Over 10000 participants across 37 different cultures took part in his study on differences in intersexual selection. Questionnaires were given to the participants, asking about preferences for variables such as marriage, age differences, characteristics etc. He found that women valued qualities such as ambition and industriousness in men – qualities showing their financial potential. He also found that men valued youth and physical attractiveness more highly than women. This suggests that males look for qualities associated with fertility in line with evolutionary predictions. He concluded that women have evolved to select mates who can provide resources for themselves and their offspring. Buss’ study had over 10000 participants and therefore has credibility, however the participants may have not given a truthful answer and instead given one they thought would appear more…
