1. The Origins of Mating Behavior Evolutionary Psychology Dr. Kelley Kline FSU-PC

2. I. Mating: Evolutionary Roots Darwin observed that many animals exhibited physical & behavioral characteristics that “appeared” to hinder the animal’s chances for survival (e.g., colorful plumage of a peacock). Yet these characteristics appear to be selected for in nature. Class: What was Darwin’s answer about why this phenomenon should occur, if it appeared to threaten the animal’s chances for survival? Darwin argued that some features are selected for and thrive in nature due to their reproductive benefits of passing on the genetic line, rather than survival benefits. THIS IS CALLED SEXUAL SELECTION!!

3. II. What are the two forms of Sexual Selection? 1. Competition for a mate. 2. Preferences for a mate.

4. A. Competition for mates: Intrasexual selection—occurs when members of the same sex compete with each other for access to members of the opposite sex. (E.g., two stags locking horns in combat, two lions fighting for access to viable females, two males getting into a bar room brawl fighting over a woman, etc.) Class: Why do members of the same sex compete with each other for mates according to evolutionary theory?? Characteristics that lead to success in these contests evolve because the winners are able to mate more often and consequently are more likely to pass on their genes.

5. What are some characteristics exhibited by intrasexual competitors that may increase their chances of winning? Greater strength, intelligence, cunning, attractiveness, derogating rivals, etc. E.g., The stronger male lion will successfully either kill/scare the other male lion away, thereby granting the victor access to the females in the pride.

6. B. Preferences for mates: Intersexual selection – members of one sex choose a mate based on preferences for particular qualities in that mate. Characteristics preferred by members of the opposite sex, evolve to become more common over time. Why Class??? These characteristics evolve because animals possessing them are chosen more frequently to be mates, and as a result, their genes are more likely to be passed on. --Animals lacking desired characteristics are chosen less frequently to be mates.

7. III. Sexual Strategies: Like successful foraging for food, finding water, and building shelter, we don’t approach mating behavior without a plan. Human mating behavior has evolved so that we choose mates who are desirable, reproductively viable, likely to invest in us, & so forth. Why Class??? In our evolutionary past, those who failed to mate successfully failed to become our ancestors. We all are products of an ancestral line who competed successfully for desirable and reproductively viable mates. Otherwise, “we” simply wouldn’t be here!!!!

8. A. Problems solved by Sexual Strategies: We have several mating strategies we employ that are designed to solve specific mating problems. Class—What are some of the basic mating problems that need to be solved? Selecting a desirable mate Attracting a mate Replacing a mate Keeping a mate (mate retention, mate guarding)

9. B. There are two basic types of sexual strategies: 1. Short term mating (casual sex) – involves mechanisms designed to procure a mate for a short period of time. 2. Long term mating – involves mechanisms designed to procure a mate for a long period of time (possibly life). Note: We will learn that often similar tactics are used in both types of sexual strategies making it difficult for the individual to determine which type is being sought. For example, males often use deception (being overly friendly, generous with money & gifts, to achieve short term mating goals, when the female may misperceive these gestures as pursuing long term mating goals.)

10. Points about sexual strategies: We are not always consciously aware of the sexual strategies we employ in mating. When we become aware of the strategies we are using to procure mates, it often impedes our performance. Buss, has examined these strategies in a study of over 37 countries and has found robust evidence to support these tactics as hard-wired in our systems. Its not a cultural phenomenon.

11. 1. Selection a Mate: Class—What factors come into play when we select a mate??? It’s adaptive to select mates who: Are willing to provide abundant resources Protect us & our offspring Devote time, energy, money, & effort in us. This increases the chances that our offspring will thrive and survive. Thus, we have evolved preferences to seek mates possessing these qualities.

12. According to the evolutionary theory, do men & women seek the same characteristics in a mate?? Class what do you think??? No, men and women have different reproductive costs, which impacts the preferences they develop for future mates. As women have a greater physical investment bearing & caring for children (40 week gestation) then men do, they seek more long term mates.

13. 2. Attracting a Mate: It’s not enough to select a mate, but we have to engage in behaviors to attract the mate we are interested in. Factors that have worked over time to procure mates are: Competition Showing off one’s attractive qualities (e.g., peacock showing a peahen his gorgeous plumage, males flexing their muscles for female passerby) Derogating rivals Ingratiating oneself to the mate. Showing willingness to invest/commit (expending resources, being friendly/chivalry)

14. Why do these factors work in attracting mates? If these tactics led to more frequent & fruitful mating, then individuals using these tactics, would be more likely to reproduce & pass on their genes. (e.g., elephant seals have evolved to become large and heavy, thereby strengthening their chances of mating with females in the harem & warding off other male competitors.)

15. 3. Keeping a mate: Just because we may select and attract a mate successfully, doesn’t mean we will hold onto the mate indefinitely. We may lose mates because: Another suitor may poached (stolen) One mate may defect –due to the failure of the other mate to fulfill the defecting mate’s needs. A more desirable mate may come along.

16. Mate Retention, Infidelity, & costs: Males who don’t guard access to their mate, may risk raising a child who is not their biological heir. Hence, sanctioning his mate’s access to other males, is one way to decrease paternity uncertainty. Tactics employed: mate guarding, restricting female’s access to other males, derogating rivals, violence towards other males. Females who don’t guard their mates, may risk losing a male & his resources to another female & her offspring. Tactics employed: mate guarding, keeping oneself physically attractive, befriending female competitors to keep them in check, derogating rivals.

17. 4. Replacing a mate: Sometimes a mate shouldn’t be retained, but discarded and replaced. Why class?? We rid of mates when: They stop offering resources (money, sex, support, etc.) They are cheating They are infertile They are hostile or harmful to us The benefits of losing the mate outweigh the costs (depends on what our market value is following the break-up)

18. Reentering the mating market: costs and benefits Class, what are the relative costs and benefits that occur for men and women as they reenter the mating market?? How do the presence of children and age of a mate impact their relative value on the mating market??

19. Conflict between the Sexes Men and women clash over resources (money, status, power) & sexual access (frequency, etc.). Male desire for short term mating strategies get in the way of women’s long term strategies. Men and women both complain about portion of domestic work and who gets off easier.

20. Culture & Context Although this course will focus on the evolutionary theory as it applies to mate selection, the influence of society and culture is still important in explaining our behavior. It’s important to note that our mating behavior and social system have changed far more rapidly than our evolutionary history, such that over time our preferences/desires in mating may change.