Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of parental investment theory?
What is the primary focus of parental investment theory?
- Exploring the differences in reproductive success between males and females
- Studying the asymmetry in gamete size between males and females
- Understanding the evolution of reproductive behaviors and strategies (correct)
- Investigating the optimal reproductive strategy in a particular environment
Which sex is predicted to be more selective in choosing mates according to parental investment theory?
Which sex is predicted to be more selective in choosing mates according to parental investment theory?
- The sex with the larger gamete size
- The sex with the lower parental investment
- The sex with the higher parental investment (correct)
- Both sexes are equally selective
What is the trade-off that parents face in parental investment theory?
What is the trade-off that parents face in parental investment theory?
- Reproductive success vs. survival rate
- Mate choice vs. resource allocation
- Quality vs. quantity of offspring (correct)
- Time vs. energy investment in offspring
What is the relationship between parental investment and mate choice?
What is the relationship between parental investment and mate choice?
What is the primary reason for the asymmetry in parental investment between males and females?
What is the primary reason for the asymmetry in parental investment between males and females?
Who developed the concept of parental investment theory?
Who developed the concept of parental investment theory?
Flashcards
Parental Investment Theory Focus
Parental Investment Theory Focus
Explaining how reproductive behaviours and strategies evolved.
Selective Mate Choice
Selective Mate Choice
The higher-investing sex is choosier in mate selection.
Parent Trade-off
Parent Trade-off
Parents balance quality and quantity of offspring.
Mate Choice & Parental Investment
Mate Choice & Parental Investment
Signup and view all the flashcards
Asymmetric Parental Investment
Asymmetric Parental Investment
Signup and view all the flashcards
Parental Investment Theorist
Parental Investment Theorist
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Parental Investment Theory
- Developed by Robert Trivers in 1972 as an evolutionary biology concept to explore differences in parental investment in offspring between males and females.
Key Principles
- Asymmetry in investment exists due to differences in gamete size and physiological costs associated with reproduction between males and females.
Reproductive Strategies
- The sex with higher parental investment (often females) is more selective in choosing mates.
- The sex with lower investment (often males) competes more intensely for access to mates.
Offspring Quality vs. Quantity
- Parents face a trade-off between investing heavily in a few offspring (quality) or producing many offspring with lower investment per offspring (quantity).
- The optimal strategy depends on environmental and ecological factors.
Mate Choice
- Individuals choose mates based on traits indicating high-quality genes or resources for offspring.
- This is influenced by the unequal investment of time, energy, and resources between male and female parents.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
