individual differences in reproduction

What are individual differences in reproduction?

Variations between individuals in reproductive behaviour and success.

What factors contribute to individual differences in reproduction?

Biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors.

What is sexual selection?

A form of natural selection based on differential mating success.

What are the two main types of sexual selection?

Intrasexual competition and intersexual selection.

What is intrasexual competition?

Competition within the same sex for access to mates.

What is intersexual selection?

Preference by one sex for certain traits in mates.

Which sex typically shows greater parental investment?

Females.

What is parental investment theory?

The sex investing more in offspring is more selective in mate choice.

Who proposed parental investment theory?

Robert Trivers.

Why are females generally more selective in mate choice?

Higher biological investment (e.g., pregnancy, childcare).

What traits are often preferred by females in mates?

Resources, status, and stability.

What traits are often preferred by males in mates?

Youth and fertility indicators.

What is mate value?

The overall attractiveness of an individual as a reproductive partner.

What influences mate value?

Physical attractiveness, resources, personality, and health.

What is assortative mating?

Choosing partners with similar traits.

Give an example of assortative mating.

People of similar education level pairing together.

What is the evolutionary advantage of assortative mating?

Increases compatibility and reproductive success.

What is sexual dimorphism?

Differences between males and females in physical traits or behaviour.

What is an example of sexual dimorphism in humans?

Average differences in body size and strength.

What is the role of testosterone in male reproductive behaviour?

Increases libido and competitiveness.

How does testosterone influence mating strategies?

Higher levels are associated with short-term mating strategies.

What hormone is associated with bonding and pair-bonding?

Oxytocin.

What is the role of vasopressin in reproduction?

Linked to pair bonding and social behaviours.

What is sociosexuality?

Willingness to engage in sexual activity outside of committed relationships.

What is unrestricted sociosexuality?

Preference for casual, short-term relationships.

What is restricted sociosexuality?

Preference for long-term, committed relationships.

How do men and women typically differ in sociosexuality?

Men tend to be more unrestricted on average.

What is the evolutionary explanation for sex differences in mating strategies?

Differences in reproductive investment and risk.

What is sperm competition?

Competition between sperm from different males to fertilise an egg.

What behaviours may increase sperm competition success?

Mate guarding and increased ejaculation frequency.

What is mate guarding?

Behaviours that prevent a partner from mating with others.

What is jealousy in evolutionary terms?

A mechanism to protect reproductive investment.

How do jealousy triggers differ between sexes?

Males more sensitive to sexual infidelity; females to emotional infidelity.

What is reproductive success?

The number of viable offspring produced.

What environmental factors influence reproductive behaviour?

Culture, resources, and social norms.

How does resource availability affect reproduction?

Influences timing and number of offspring.

What is life history theory?

How organisms allocate resources to growth, reproduction, and survival.

What are fast life history strategies?

Early reproduction, high mating effort, less parental investment.

What are slow life history strategies?

Later reproduction, fewer offspring, high parental investment.

What environmental conditions favour fast strategies?

Unstable or unpredictable environments.

What environmental conditions favour slow strategies?

Stable and resource-rich environments.

How does stress influence reproductive strategies?

Can promote faster life history strategies.

What is the role of early childhood environment in reproduction?

Shapes later mating and parenting behaviour.

What is age of puberty linked to in life history theory?

Timing of reproductive strategy.

What is the relationship between early puberty and life strategy?

Linked to faster reproductive strategies.

How do cultural norms influence mate choice?

They shape preferences and acceptable behaviours.

What is attraction?

A psychological process influencing mate choice.

What factors influence physical attractiveness?

Symmetry, health cues, and secondary sexual characteristics.

Why is facial symmetry attractive?

It signals genetic health and developmental stability.

What is the role of pheromones in human attraction?

They may influence mate preference unconsciously.

What is kin selection?

Preference for helping genetic relatives.

How does kin selection relate to reproduction?

Increases inclusive fitness.

What is inclusive fitness?

Total genetic success including relatives’ reproduction.

What is reproductive suppression?

Reduction in reproductive activity due to social factors.

Give an example of reproductive suppression.

Subordinate individuals not reproducing in social groups.

What is the role of the brain in mate choice?

Integrates reward, emotion, and decision-making systems.

Which neurotransmitter is involved in reward in mate choice?

Dopamine.

Which brain region is involved in reward processing?

Ventral striatum.

What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in reproduction?

Decision making and impulse control.

How does alcohol influence reproductive behaviour?

Reduces inhibition and alters decision making.

What is the mismatch hypothesis in reproduction?

Evolved preferences may not match modern environments.

Give an example of mismatch in reproduction.

Preference for high-calorie foods in environments of abundance.

What is contraception?

Methods used to prevent pregnancy.

How has contraception influenced reproductive behaviour?

Decouples sex from reproduction.

What is one social consequence of contraception?

Changes in mating patterns and family structure.