Outline and Evaluate the Relationship Between Sexual Selection and Human Reproductive Behaviour (8+16 Marks)
Outline and evaluate the relationship between sexual selection and human reproductive behaviour (8+16 marks)
Evolutionary theory states that all animals are motivated by the desire to ensure that their genes make it into the gene pool of the next generation. Natural selection is the tendency of individuals best adapted to their environment to survive and pass on their genes. Sexual selection is the probability of passing on our genes depends partly on any chances of survival but also on ability to attract a mate. Those who have genes for features which make them attractive are most likely to reproduce and pass all their genes on. This could be supported by Darwin’s suggestion that the peacock’s bright colouring was there to attract the peahen. Sexual selection is important for us as humans as some physical characteristics may not have developed to increase our survival rate, but simply to make us more sexually desirable. An example of this is eye/hair colour and distribution of muscle. Our sexual behaviour can be influenced genes, and this is similar no matter what culture you come from. They are also similar in terms of physical characteristics. This is a significant factor because it is a demonstration of the universal
Ridley says that in the past 100,000 years the human species has hardly evolved, therefore our psychology is similar to when we were hunter gatherers. This means that males have to find ways to ensure their reproductive success, and a way to attract females is to show that they have the right characteristics and traits. Some examples of characteristics are wealth, intelligence and strength. They can show wealth by having expensive items like cars and watches and phones. Intelligence can be shown by having a good job, and strength can be shown by going to the gym, or performing manly tasks. Women are driven to secure the best genes possible, and want to be protected by a powerful man so their children have the highest chance of surviving.
Buss
Evolutionary theory states that all animals are motivated by the desire to ensure that their genes make it into the gene pool of the next generation. Natural selection is the tendency of individuals best adapted to their environment to survive and pass on their genes. Sexual selection is the probability of passing on our genes depends partly on any chances of survival but also on ability to attract a mate. Those who have genes for features which make them attractive are most likely to reproduce and pass all their genes on. This could be supported by Darwin’s suggestion that the peacock’s bright colouring was there to attract the peahen. Sexual selection is important for us as humans as some physical characteristics may not have developed to increase our survival rate, but simply to make us more sexually desirable. An example of this is eye/hair colour and distribution of muscle. Our sexual behaviour can be influenced genes, and this is similar no matter what culture you come from. They are also similar in terms of physical characteristics. This is a significant factor because it is a demonstration of the universal
Ridley says that in the past 100,000 years the human species has hardly evolved, therefore our psychology is similar to when we were hunter gatherers. This means that males have to find ways to ensure their reproductive success, and a way to attract females is to show that they have the right characteristics and traits. Some examples of characteristics are wealth, intelligence and strength. They can show wealth by having expensive items like cars and watches and phones. Intelligence can be shown by having a good job, and strength can be shown by going to the gym, or performing manly tasks. Women are driven to secure the best genes possible, and want to be protected by a powerful man so their children have the highest chance of surviving.
Buss