P - One strength of research on the menstrual cycle is that it shows evolutionary value.
E - It may have been advantageous for our ancestor females to menstruate together and become pregnant around the same time, so offspring could be cared for collectively, increasing their chances of survival.
CA - However, Schank (2004) questions the validity of this perspective - too mant females cycling together within a social group would produce competition for highest quality males (lowering the fitness of any potential offspring). From this point of view, the avoidance of synchrony would appear to be the most adpative evolutionary strategy and therefore, the one that would be naturally selected.
E - On the other hand, there is evidence to show that females' mentrual cycles are able to synchronise somewhat due to the pheromones released when at various stages of the cycle.
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