EVOLUTION AND SEXUAL BEHAVIOR

ð Evolution Principles:

à Genotype vs. Phenotype

· Change in Environment + Limited Resources à Competition!

à Because of change in the environment, there is a lot of pressure to adapt:

a. Competition between genetic material

b. Fittest phenotype will win

c. They’ll have sex

d. They’ll have children (I.e., Reproduction)

· Thus: Environmental pressureàcompetition (for resources)à selection of phenotypeàreproductive successàgenes passed on!!!!!!

ð Male Sexual Strategy:

à Distribute their genes as much as possible.

à No attachment to one partner.

à Compete w/other males about the qualities females want:

· Physical qualities that reflect health

· Strength (for protection)

· Fertilization (physical attributes that reflect vitality; assurance that sperm will reach the uterus)

à Also, competition w/social qualities that reflect:

· Dominance (protection)

· Wealth (good supply of resources for newborn)

· Intelligence (good problem solving skills)

ð Female Sexual Strategy:

à Because females have a limited number of eggs, as well as limited possibilities of pregnancy, women:

· They are more “choosy”

· They have less sexual partners, to reduce the risk of becoming pregnant from the wrong “male” (the cost is high)…There is almost no risk for males!

à Females compete in the qualities that men want:

· Physical qualities that reflect good health and youth (what is called beauty!)

· Fertility (youth)

· Child bearing ability (I.e., wide hips and waist example…)

· Nurturing ability

à Also, competition with social qualities that reflect:

· Smiling (acceptance + health)

· Loyalty (b/c male’s never 100% sure the child is his)

ð Criticism:

à Times have Changed!!! :

· Contraception

· Women are better economically

· Homosexuality (acceptance/appearance/openness…etc.)