Evolutionary Psychology: Mate Selection
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Questions and Answers

What is a fundamental aspect of Darwin's theory of evolution?

  • Species develop traits that help them survive. (correct)
  • All species reproduce at the same rate.
  • Environmental changes do not affect species.
  • Species maintain the same traits over generations.

Evolutionary psychology focuses solely on cognitive traits.

False (B)

What do women look for in a partner according to evolutionary psychology?

Investments of time and resources in raising children.

Men are typically attracted to women who show signs of ______ and ______.

<p>youth, beauty</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the sex to their main focus in mate selection:

<p>Women = Economic security and high status Men = Youth and beauty Both sexes = Healthy offspring</p> Signup and view all the answers

What waist-hip ratio (WHR) is suggested as attractive in women?

<p>0.7 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Both men and women seek the same traits in a partner.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of men's reproductive potential can be assessed by social and economic status?

<p>Their ability to invest resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Evolutionary Psychology

A field that explains human behavior and traits as adaptations that have evolved over time to help us survive and reproduce.

Reproductive Success

The ability to pass on one's genes to the next generation. It's the key factor in evolution.

Adaptive Problem

A challenge that organisms face in their environment that affects their survival and reproduction.

Mate Selection

The process of choosing a partner for reproduction. It is influenced by evolutionary factors.

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Women's Mate Preference

Women tend to prioritize partners with resources, stability, and commitment to raise children.

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Men's Mate Preference

Men seek partners who appear fertile and capable of having healthy offspring, often indicated by physical attractiveness.

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Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR)

A measure of a woman's waist circumference divided by her hip circumference. It is suggested to be an indicator of fertility and health.

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Why is WHR important in mate selection?

Men find a specific WHR attractive (around 0.7) which is associated with higher fertility and better reproductive potential in women.

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Study Notes

Evolutionary Explanations for Behavior

  • Darwin's theory of evolution explains how species develop traits to survive in changing environments.
  • Evolutionary psychology examines how feelings and behaviors developed over time through natural selection.
  • Advantageous traits are passed down.
  • Evolutionary psychology identifies psychological traits/behaviors as adaptations for survival.

Evolutionary Explanations for Mate Selection

  • Mate selection is an adaptive problem for both sexes.
  • Characteristics relate to reproductive success.
  • Men and women seek the greatest likelihood of mating with a healthy offspring partner.

Differences in Mate Selection

  • Women: Prioritize partners with economic security and high status, investing in raising children.
  • Men: Seek fertile women, attracted to youth and beauty as signs of childbearing ability.
  • A man's reproductive potential is often assessed by social/economic status.
  • A woman's reproductive value is less visible. Men focus on indirect cues (physical attractiveness) to gauge fitness.

Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) Studies

  • WHR (waist to hip ratio): a strong indicator of women's physical attractiveness, possibly linked to reproductive value.
  • WHR of 0.7 (waist 70% of hips) is often seen as most attractive, associated with fertility and health.
  • Men found normal-weight figures with a 0.7 WHR most attractive.
  • Underweight figures with 0.7 WHR were rated more youthful but less attractive.
  • Overweight figures with 0.7 WHR were deemed less attractive.
  • Women with 0.7 WHR have optimal estrogen levels and are less likely to have major health issues.
  • Body fat distribution (WHR) is a marker of female attractiveness, reproductive fitness, and health.
  • Physical attractiveness and attraction are rooted in evolution, enhancing survival and reproduction.

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Description

This quiz explores evolutionary explanations for behavior, focusing on mate selection strategies of men and women. It highlights how evolutionary psychology examines traits that enhance reproductive success and survival. Understand the adaptive problems faced by both sexes in choosing optimal mates.

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