Human Mating Systems & Monogamy Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the bridewealth paid by the groom's family?

  • To fulfill a legal requirement of marriage
  • To secure the future of the bride's family
  • To ensure a higher social status for the groom
  • To compensate the bride’s family for the loss of her labor (correct)

    • In which type of societies is dowry most commonly found?

  • Matriarchal societies with egalitarian structures
  • Polygynous societies with high stratification
  • Monogamous societies with high stratification (correct)
  • Polygynous societies with low stratification

    • Which of the following factors do Kipsigis females consider most important when choosing a mate?

  • The male’s number of previous marriages
  • The male's social network and family reputation
  • The male’s age and maturity
  • The amount of land a male can offer per wife (correct)

    • What is a significant outcome of competition among co-wives in polygynous societies?

    <p>The prevalence of jealousy and conflict</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of the Kipsigis, what characteristic of co-wives tends to enhance a male's reproductive success?

    <p>Co-wives who have produced the fewest children</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant factor that complicates the study of human mating patterns?

    <p>Culturally mediated factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do males typically prefer in female mates according to evolutionary perspectives?

    <p>Females with higher potential fertility</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of maternal investment, what should females primarily seek in potential mates?

    <p>Ability to provide resources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common behavior pattern for females when initiating sexual relationships?

    <p>They tend to be conservative.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the general importance of sexual fidelity for males compared to females?

    <p>More important for males, less for females</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common misconception regarding reporting on sexual activity?

    <p>People tend to under-report their partners.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following traits is typically valued by both sexes in mating preferences?

    <p>Emotional stability and sociability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do the mating preferences of females typically differ from those of males regarding age?

    <p>Females show minimal concern for the age of their mates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of human mating systems?

    <p>To minimize male competition and protect females</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In polygynous societies, what factors are typically correlated with a man's reproductive success?

    <p>Hunting ability, wealth, and political rank</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common characteristic of marriage patterns across cultures?

    <p>Existence of extramarital relationships</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What cultural variation affects the rates and social acceptance of infidelity?

    <p>Religious beliefs and practices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of mating systems, what does 'serial monogamy' refer to?

    <p>Frequent changes of partners in a sequence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about male and female infidelity is accurate?

    <p>Infidelity is more socially acceptable for men than for women</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor complicates the study of infidelity across cultures?

    <p>Cultural norms that discourage reporting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant demographic difference concerning polygyny in post-agricultural societies?

    <p>Some men have no wives at all despite wanting multiple</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most common form of polyandry in humans?

    <p>One woman married to multiple men from the same family</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does paternity uncertainty typically affect paternal investment?

    <p>It can decrease paternal investment if a man is unsure of biological relation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which circumstance is human infanticide most likely to occur?

    <p>When the child has birth defects or the parents face resource limitations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about grandparent care is accurate?

    <p>Grandparents frequently adopt children in the absence of biological parents</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is a primary reason for the low occurrences of polyandry in human societies?

    <p>Cultural norms favoring monogamy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of the Nyinba polyandry system in Nepal?

    <p>Brothers live in a communal household with a single wife</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is human adoption considered rare compared to other animals?

    <p>Human societies prioritize biological ties over social ones</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the degree of paternity uncertainty vary?

    <p>It can vary significantly based on individual circumstances and societal norms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect is most likely to complicate the study of human mating patterns?

    <p>Inconsistency in reporting sexual activity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do males tend to prefer when selecting female mates according to evolutionary theory?

    <p>Indicators of high fertility</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do females typically respond to mate selection compared to males?

    <p>More conservative in initiating relationships</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of human mating systems, what is often less of a concern for females than for males?

    <p>Sexual fidelity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors is often correlated with males' preference for older female partners?

    <p>Availability of resources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant behavioral difference expected in males based on varying paternal investment?

    <p>Increased willingness to engage in casual relationships</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Both sexes in human mating systems value certain traits. Which of the following is not commonly valued?

    <p>Traditional gender roles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best represents typical female preferences when choosing a mate?

    <p>They prefer mates who exhibit traits for stability and resource provision.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During mate selection, what is considered less important to females than the ability to provide resources?

    <p>Age of the male partner</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is most likely to influence the differences in mating patterns observed due to globalization?

    <p>Evolving sexual norms and values</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does polygyny typically reflect in the context of resource allocation among men?

    <p>Hunting ability and land ownership correlate with reproductive strategy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about infidelity across cultures is accurate?

    <p>Infidelity rates and acceptance vary greatly among different cultures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the concept of marriage primarily function in human mating systems?

    <p>To ensure exclusive sexual access among union partners.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What social dynamics are often observed in polygynous societies?

    <p>Men's aspirations for multiple wives are often unmet.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    From a biological perspective, why does female infidelity seem more consequential?

    <p>Women face harsher social repercussions for infidelity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What variable influences the regulation of marriages in different societies?

    <p>Official recognition and social practices around termination.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant challenge faced when studying human infidelity?

    <p>Responses are often unreliable due to social pressures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way do human mating systems vary?

    <p>By the number of mates, children, and regulation methods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does concealed ovulation play in human mating systems?

    <p>It reduces male-male competition in mating contexts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the impact of sociocultural factors on mating preferences?

    <p>They shape both male and female preferences variably.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason men in polyandrous marriages may have lower reproductive success (RS)?

    <p>They share parenting responsibilities with their brothers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which situation is human infanticide least likely to occur?

    <p>When the child is a first-born offspring.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is bridewealth primarily viewed in polygynous societies?

    <p>As compensation for the bride’s family for loss of her labour</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which type of society is dowry more commonly found?

    <p>Highly stratified societies with clear social hierarchies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of the Nyinba polyandry system?

    <p>It involves a communal household with shared responsibilities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant factor influencing mate selection for Kipsigis females?

    <p>Desire for males with fewer co-wives</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does paternity uncertainty generally influence paternal investment in children?

    <p>It causes decreased investment as men are uncertain of their biological connection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following cultural factors is most likely to impact rates of human adoption?

    <p>Societal attitudes towards biological versus non-biological parenting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primarily motivates the payment of dowry from the bride's family?

    <p>To elevate social status for the bride's family</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What strategy do Kipsigis females use to maximize reproductive success?

    <p>Competing for the males with the most land per wife</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is polyandry considered rare in human societies?

    <p>Cultural norms favor one-to-one mating systems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically true about the competition among wives in polygynous societies?

    <p>Wives compete for their mate’s resources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which region are paternal investment patterns likely to differ based on cultural practices?

    <p>Eastern Africa, with varying familial structures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common characteristic of marriages among the Kipsigis?

    <p>Marriages are often arranged, limiting personal choice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically drives the decision for parents to commit human infanticide?

    <p>Perceived likelihood of the child's survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one common misconception regarding paternal investment according to varying degrees of paternity uncertainty?

    <p>All men invest equally regardless of paternity certainty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the competition for females manifest in Kipsigis society?

    <p>Men usually receive multiple offers for marriage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary reason for the limited occurrence of adoption in mammals compared to non-mammals?

    <p>Maternal investment tends to be more exclusive to biological offspring.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a consideration for Kipsigis females when choosing a mate?

    <p>The potential for shared responsibilities in the family</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the roles of bridewealth in a polygynous marriage?

    <p>To compensate the bride's family for the loss of her labor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Human Mating Systems

    • Humans form unions to mate and rear offspring, typically involving exclusive sexual access, investment from both parents, and defining the offspring's social status.
    • Functions of human mating systems: minimize male-male competition (possibly aided by concealed ovulation), protect females from mating aggression, maximize paternity certainty (though not always).
    • Variations in mating systems: number of mates and children, marriage regulation (formal, arranged, termination), relationship dynamics, and location of residence.

    Are Humans Monogamous?

    • Polygyny: One male has multiple wives, with variations in prevalence based on factors like hunting prowess, wealth (land, resources), and political rank.

    Polygyny: Key Facts

    • Wealth and power allow some men to attract multiple mates and provide resources, leading to the potential for extreme polygyny, especially in post-agricultural societies.
    • Although tolerated, polygyny is not the norm, with actual rates varying widely.
    • Even with monogamous systems, extramarital sex is frequent, leading to uncertainty about biological paternity.

    Infidelity

    • A common reason for marriage termination across cultures, with rates and social acceptance highly variable.
    • Men are more likely to be unfaithful.
    • Female infidelity is considered more problematic from a biological perspective, leading to stricter social restrictions and harsher punishment.

    Human Mating Patterns: Challenging to Study

    • Strong cultural influences make it difficult to isolate purely evolutionary explanations.
    • Mating patterns are likely changing rapidly due to globalization, birth control availability, etc.
    • People may lie about sexual activity and paternity, making accurate research challenging.

    Male and Female Fertility Differences

    • Males: Paternal investment is variable, leading to behavioral differences based on this investment. Males tend to prioritize female mates with high fertility potential, particularly those who are younger and exhibit indicators of fertility (physical appearance). Sexual fidelity is crucial for males.
    • Females: Maternal investment is always high, making females highly selective in choosing mates. Females favor mates who provide resources for themselves and their offspring, preferring older males who have more resources. While fidelity is important, it is less critical than for males. Females are typically more conservative in initiating sexual relationships.

    Shared Human Mating Preferences

    • Physical attraction and love are valued by both sexes, along with stability, pleasantness, sociability, and overall compatibility

    Financial Considerations in Mating

    • Bridewealth/Bride Price: Paid by the groom/his family to the bride's family, compensating for her lost labor. More common in polygynous societies where husbands marry multiple wives and potentially allocate resources differently.
    • Dowry: Paid by the bride's family to the groom/his family, less frequent but prevalent in highly stratified societies or monogamous ones. Represents a strategy to marry women into higher-status families, passing on that status to offspring.

    Kipsigis Example of Polygyny

    • Kenya-based society with arranged marriages, bridewealth paid in livestock and cash, and strong competition for females.

    Kipsigis Females:

    • Women compete for their mate's resources, preferring males with the largest land allocation per wife, even with multiple wives.
    • Women also favor males whose other wives have few children, maximizing their access to resources.
    • Kipsigis women achieving this balance have higher reproductive success.

    Kipsigis Males:

    • Competition for wives is fierce, with wealth acquisition as a key factor in success.

    Polyandry

    • One woman married to multiple men, rarely found (0.5% of human societies).
    • Men in polyandrous marriages have lower reproductive success.
    • Fraternal polyandry: Most common form in humans, where a woman marries brothers. This minimizes fitness impact because shared genetic material among brothers means benefiting those children.

    Nyinba Example of Polyandry

    • A society in Nepal where brothers live communally with one wife, engaging in mixed industries (agriculture, herding, trade). Paternity is tracked and considered important.

    Paternity Uncertainty

    • Women are certain of their children's identity.
    • Men don't necessarily know their children's paternity, with levels of certainty varying by individual, culture, and situation.
    • Paternity uncertainty influences levels of paternal investment and support from the paternal family.

    Paternal Investment

    • Level of investment varies based on:
      • Whether offspring are biologically his
      • Whether the mother is his current mate
    • Balancing current and potential future offspring

    Paternal Investment: New Mexico & South Africa Examples

    • Illustrates the variability in paternal investment based on various factors.

    Grandparent Care

    • Focuses on the role of grandparents in supporting offspring.

    Human Infanticide

    • Distinct from non-human primates, as mothers carry it out.
    • Reasons:
      • Child has low survival chances (defects, illness)
      • Parents cannot care for child (multiple births, insufficient resources, or mother dies)
      • Child is not sired by the husband.
    • Infanticide is influenced by social/mating systems, with firstborn children rarely abandoned.

    Human Adoption

    • Raising offspring by individuals other than biological parents.
    • Found in other animals, but uncommon, especially in mammals.
    • Rates vary among humans, with some societies adopting frequently.
    • Often involves relatives: grandparents, aunts, etc.

    Human Mating Systems

    • Humans form mating unions, typically involving exclusive sexual access.
    • These unions often involve male and female investment in offspring, impacting their social status.
    • The functions of these systems include minimizing male-male competition, protecting females, and maximizing paternity certainty.

    Variations in Human Mating Systems

    • The number of mates and children can vary considerably.
    • Regulations regarding marriage are diverse: official, arranged, and termination processes differ.
    • Relationships between individuals are also variable.
    • The location where individuals live is influenced by marriage practices.

    Are Humans Monogamous?

    • Polygyny, involving men having multiple wives, occurs in various societies.
    • Factors like hunting ability, wealth, and political rank influence the number of wives a man attracts.

    Polygyny Characteristics

    • The actual rate of polygyny varies widely.
    • While tolerated in some societies, it is not the norm.
    • Men often have fewer wives than they aspire to.

    Monogamy Characterisitics

    • Extramarital sex is common.
    • The biological father is not always the mother's husband.
    • Non-paternity rates are highly variable.

    Infidelity

    • Infidelity frequently leads to marriage termination across cultures.
    • Rates vary greatly between cultures, as does social acceptance.
    • It seems to be more common among men than women.
    • Female infidelity is considered more significant from a biological perspective.
    • More restrictions and social punishments are imposed on women.
    • Due to its complexity, studying infidelity can be difficult.

    Human Mating Patterns: Challenges

    • Cultural influences have a significant impact on human mating patterns.
    • However, evolutionary concepts can still offer insights.
    • Globalization and birth control availability are factors that likely influence mating patterns rapidly.
    • People may lie about sexual activity and partners, making research difficult.
    • Human sexuality and romantic relationships are complicated.

    Male and Female Fertility Differences

    • Male paternal investment can be highly variable.
    • Males are expected to prefer females with higher potential fertility,
    • Youth is correlated with female fertility.
    • Males prefer physical traits that indicate high fertility.
    • Sexual fidelity is crucial for males.

    Female Fertility and Partner Selection

    • Maternal investment is always significant.
    • Females are highly selective in choosing mates.
    • They prefer males who can provide resources.
    • While female fertility is not age-dependent, preferring older (resourceful) males.
    • Fidelity is essential, but less so than for males.
    • Females are more conservative when initiating sexual relationships.

    Universal Preferences in Mate Selection

    • Both sexes value physical attractiveness and love.
    • Stability, pleasantness, sociability, and compatibility are desirable traits.

    Financial Considerations in Marriage

    • Bridewealth, paid to the bride's family by the groom or his family, is common in polygynous societies.
    • It compensates for the loss of the bride's labor.
    • Dowry, paid by the bride's family to the groom or his family, is rare but found in some stratified and monogamous societies.
    • Dowries help females marry into higher-status families.

    Polygyny Example: Kipsigis (Kenya)

    • Females marry in their late teens, while males marry in their twenties.
    • Many marriages are arranged.
    • Bridewealth is paid in livestock and cash.
    • There is strong competition for females.

    Kipsigis Female Mate Preferences

    • Females prefer males who offer the most land per wife.
    • They also prefer males with co-wives who have produced fewer children.
    • Those females who balance these factors have the highest reproductive success.

    Kipsigis Male Mate Preferences

    • Male preferences are not detailed in provided text.

    Polyandry

    • One woman married to multiple men.
    • It is rare, occurring in about 0.5% of human societies.
    • Men in polyandrous marriages have lower reproductive success.
    • Fraternal polyandry, where a woman marries brothers, is most common in humans.
    • This form minimizes the impact of reduced fitness because brothers share genetic material.

    Polyandry Example: Nyinba

    • Found in Nepal, involving a woman living in a communal household with brothers.
    • Activities include agriculture, herding, and long-distance trade.
    • Paternity is tracked and considered important.

    Paternity Uncertainty

    • Women always know who their children are.
    • Men may not know who their biological offspring are.
    • The degree of paternity uncertainty varies depending on individuals, cultures, and circumstances.
    • It influences paternal investment and the investment of paternal families.

    Paternal Investment

    • Male investment in offspring depends on paternity certainty and the current/potential future mates.

    Paternal Investment Examples

    • The text includes examples of parental investment in New Mexico, US, and South Africa.

    Grandparent Care

    • The text briefly mentions grandparent care but does not provide specific details.

    Human Infanticide

    • It differs from non-human primates because it can be carried out by the mother.
    • Possible reasons include:
    • The child's likelihood of survival is low.
    • The parents lack resources to care for the child.
    • The child is not sired by the husband.
    • The practice often correlates with social and mating systems.
    • First-born children are rarely given up.

    Human Adoption

    • Offspring are raised by someone other than their biological parents.
    • It's more common than in other animals.
    • Rates vary in different societies but are high in some.
    • Kin are typically those who adopt children.

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    Description

    Explore the complexities of human mating systems, including the roles of monogamy and polygyny. This quiz covers the functions, variations, and impacts of these mating strategies on social structures and parental investment. Test your knowledge on how wealth and resources influence mating dynamics.

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