evolutionary explanations for partner preferences OR discuss relationship between sexual selection and human reproductive behaviour.

1. Sexual Selection Definition

explains how traits evolve to enhance reproductive success. Traits increasing mating success (not just survival) become more common through evolution.

2. Anisogamy

Refers to the differences between male and female gametes. Males produce small, mobile sperm continuously; females produce larger, energy-consuming eggs in limited quantities. This leads to different mating strategies.

3. Intra-sexual Selection (Mate Competition)

Usually occurs among males. Males compete for access to females. Traits like aggression or strength are favoured as they increase reproductive chances and get passed on.

4. Inter-sexual Selection (Mate Choice)

Usually driven by female choice. Females prefer males with traits that indicate ability to provide resources, protection, and good genes—e.g., status, ambition, physical health.

5. Male Strategy: Quantity Over Quality

Due to low biological cost, men benefit from mating with multiple women. This leads to a preference for fertility indicators like youth and waist-hip ratio.

6. Female Strategy: Quality Over Quantity

Due to higher parental investment, women are more selective. They prefer traits that ensure long-term support (e.g., resource acquisition, emotional commitment).

✅Buss (1989) – cross-cultural support

Found women prefer resources and men prefer youth across 33 countries — supports universal, evolved mating preferences.

✅Lonely Hearts Study (Waynforth & Dunbar)

Analysis of personal ads found men offered resources (e.g., wealth, status), women offered physical attractiveness. Matches predictions of sexual selection theory.

❌Cultural bias

Overlooks modern influences like contraception and shifting gender roles — not all behaviour is biologically driven.

❌Gender bias

Assumes heterosexual, binary relationships — ignores LGBTQ+ and non-binary individuals, reducing generalisability.