Evolutionary Explanations for Partner Preferences (AQA A-Level Psychology): Flashcards

Evolutionary explanation of partner preference - traits that increase reproductive success are passed on

Differences between male & female sex cells (gametes)

Small, mobile, produced continuously in vast numbers

Large, static, produced at intervals, limited fertile years

Female strategy: quality over quantity, choosy mate selection

Male strategy: quantity over quality, competition for females

Females mate with males who have desirable traits, so sons inherit these 'sexy' traits

Physical differences between males & females from competition

Females valued resources; males valued youth & good looks

0% females agreed to sex; 75% males agreed