Sexual Selection

Sexual Selection

1. Intrasexual selection (between Males)

   • Aggressive male competition, passive female
     • Sperm competition- victor passes on genes

2. Intersexual selection- males compete for the attention of a female, she chooses the winner.

   • Try to impress female; explains Peacocks lavish plumage- impressive- win female, passed on to offspring

3. Mating strategies

   • Short term- men prefer casual sex in order to spread more of their genes, more quickly.
   • Long term- both sexes invest equally once in an established relationship. Poor choice of mate could result in disastrous waste of resources.
     • Women want males with resources, protection, good parent and compatibility

4. Buss (1989)- 10,000 people in 37 countries: what people look for in a partner.

   • women wanted men with money
     • Men wanted youthful women, and physically attractive.
     • Both sexes wanted intelligent mates.
   • Kenrick- teen boys like women 5 years older
   • invalid, although Buss found in 29 relationships, men wanted younger women