Sexual Selection

The Nature of Sexual Selection

• Inter- and Intra-sexual Selection
• Males are more brightly coloured than female counterparts- peacocks.
• Darwin came up with his theory of sexual selection, desrcribing two processes which it took place:
• Intrasexual Selection (mate competition)
• Members of one sex compete with one another for acess to members of the other sex.
• Victors are able to mate and pass on their genes.
• These sucessful traits will be passed on to the next generation
• Intersexual Selection (mate choice)
• Incolces the preferences of one sex for members of the opposite sex who posess certain qualities.
• If females prefer tall males, over time there would be an increase in the number of tall males in the population.
• Preferences determine the areas where the other sex must compete.
• Plumage or economic resources.
• Indicators reveal traits to be passed onto offspring,.
• Short-Term Mating Preferences
• According to parental investment theory, men evolved a greater desire for casual sex, and would seek it earlier in the relationship. 
• A male impregnating a large number of women, would have been more sucessful as he has passed on more of his gene.
• In contrast to women, men lower their standards in the context of short term mating opputunities and show a decrease in attraction following sex.
• Long-Term Mate Preferences
• Both sexes invest heavily in offspring.
• FAvour high levels of choosiness in both…