Name: how selection shapes mate choice
Uploaded: 2024-10-24T14:03:06.000Z
Duration: 1 min 6 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

Louisiana Student Standards for Science

High School

Life Sciences

Biological Evolution: Unity And Diversity

HS-LS4-2

Natural Selection and Mating Preferences

Das Prinzip der natürlichen Selektion legt nahe, dass Organismen, die besser an ihre Umwelt angepasst sind, mit größerer Wahrscheinlichkeit überleben und sich fortpflanzen.
Evolutionspsychologen nutzen das Prinzip der sexuellen Selektion, um Unterschiede im Paarungsverhalten zwischen Männchen und Weibchen zu erklären.
Paarungspräferenzen, eine Untergruppe der sexuellen Selektion, beeinflussen den Fortpflanzungserfolg. Individuen wählen Partner oft auf der Grundlage körperlicher Merkmale aus, die eine gute Gesundheit, genetische Fitness oder vorteilhafte Eigenschaften signalisieren. Diese Präferenzen können dazu führen, dass sich bestimmte Merkmale innerhalb einer Population vermehren.
Im Allgemeinen haben Weibchen einen biologischen Drang, Nachkommen zu zeugen, auszutragen und möglicherweise zu säugen, was dazu führt, dass sie Partner bevorzugen, die Stabilität und Schutz bieten können.
Während die Evolutionspsychologie einen Rahmen für das Verständnis menschlichen Verhaltens bietet, erfasst sie nicht die volle Komplexität des menschlichen Sexual- und Sozialverhaltens.

natürliche selektion und paarungspräferenzen

Das Prinzip der natürlichen Selektion geht davon aus, dass Organismen, die besser an ihre Umwelt angepasst sind, eher überleben und sich fortpflanzen. Dieses Prinzip ist eng mit Paarungspräferenzen verknüpft, einem Schlüsselaspekt der sexuellen Selektion, die nach Ansicht von Evolutionspsychologen von Instinkten zur Weitergabe der eigenen Gene getrieben wird. Solche Instinkte beeinflussen das Paarungsverhalten und die Präferenzen zwischen den Geschlechtern erheblich.

Weibchen legen aufgrund ihrer biologischen Rolle bei der Empfängnis, Schwangerschaft und Stillzeit von Natur aus Wert darauf, Partner zu finden, die Stabilität und Schutz bieten können. Diese Präferenz wurzelt in der Notwendigkeit, das Überleben ihrer Nachkommen und die Fortführung ihres genetischen Erbes zu gewährleisten. Allgemein geschätzte Merkmale wie glatte Haut und ein jugendlicher Körperbau werden in verschiedenen Kulturen und Epochen als Indikatoren für Gesundheit und Fruchtbarkeit wahrgenommen, was ihre Bedeutung für die natürliche Selektion und sexuelle Anziehung widerspiegelt.

Männer hingegen bevorzugen typischerweise Frauen mit einem Taille-Hüft-Verhältnis, das auf eine hohe Fruchtbarkeit und weniger frühere Geburten hindeutet. Diese Vorliebe steht im Einklang mit ihrer Fortpflanzungsstrategie, die Chancen der Weitergabe ihrer Gene zu maximieren, indem sie Partner auswählen, die mehrere gesunde Nachkommen zeugen können.

Anziehungsmuster variieren auch mit dem Alter, was die sich im Laufe des Lebens verändernden Fortpflanzungsstrategien widerspiegelt. Teenager bevorzugen oft Frauen, die mehrere Jahre älter sind als sie, wahrscheinlich, weil diese Frauen sich im fruchtbarsten Alter befinden. Im Gegensatz dazu bevorzugen Männer Mitte zwanzig normalerweise Gleichaltrige, während ältere Männer im Allgemeinen jüngere Frauen bevorzugen, beeinflusst von der höheren potenziellen Fruchtbarkeit dieser Frauen.

Die Wechselwirkung zwischen natürlicher Selektion und Paarungspräferenzen treibt die Vielfalt der Lebensformen auf der Erde voran und prägt genetische Merkmale, physische Erscheinungen, Verhaltensweisen und ökologische Beziehungen über Generationen hinweg. Durch diese Mechanismen entwickeln sich Arten weiter, um sich besser an ihre Umgebung anzupassen, Partner anzuziehen und das Überleben ihrer Nachkommen zu sichern, wodurch der Kreislauf des Lebens erhalten bleibt.

Natürliche Selektion und Paarungspräferenzen

Das Prinzip der natürlichen Selektion legt nahe, dass Organismen, die besser an ihre Umwelt angepasst sind, mit größerer Wahrscheinlichkeit überleben und sich fortpflanzen.
Evolutionär...

Education

Lehre

JoVE Core

Introduction to Psychology

Einführung in die Psychologie

Unit 1

Einheit 1

Biopsychology

Biopsychologie

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

SCHLÜSSELBEGRIFFE UND KONZEPTE

how selection shapes mate choice

Natural selection and mating preferences work together to shape how organisms survive and reproduce. Natural selection favors traits that help an organism fit its environment. Mating preferences are part of sexual selection, which influences who mates with whom and how genes are passed on.

Evolutionary psychologists argue that these preferences are tied to instincts that support reproduction. For females, conception, pregnancy, and nursing create a strong need to choose mates who can offer stability and protection. This choice helps improve the chances that offspring will survive and that a genetic line will continue.

Some traits are widely seen as attractive because they suggest health and fertility. Smooth skin and a youthful body are examples that have been valued across different cultures and time periods. These features are often linked to reproductive fitness, which makes them important in mate choice.

Male preferences also reflect reproductive strategy. Males often prefer women with a waist-to-hip ratio that suggests high fertility and fewer previous childbirths. This preference can increase the chance of selecting a partner who can produce multiple healthy offspring.

Attraction also changes with age. Teenage boys often prefer women who are several years older, likely because those women are at a peak reproductive age. Men in their mid-twenties usually prefer peers, while older men generally prefer younger women because younger women may have higher fertility potential.

Together, natural selection and mating preferences help explain the variety of life on Earth. They shape physical traits, behavior, and ecological relationships across generations. Over time, these forces help species adapt to their environment, attract mates, and support the survival of offspring.

How Selection Shapes Mate Choice

introduction to biological bases of psychology

introduction-to-biological-bases-of-psychology

Biological Factors Shaping Behavior and Mind

Biopsychology connects biology and psychology by showing how the body influences behavior and mental processes. It focuses on the nervous system, neurotransmitters, hormones, genetics, and evolutionary ideas. Together, these areas help explain why people think, feel, and act the way they do. The nervous system is the main foundation of biopsychology. It has two parts: the central nervous system, or CNS, and the peripheral nervous system, or PNS. The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord and...

nervous system

Nervous System: CNS, PNS, and Reflexes

The nervous system helps the body sense, move, and respond. It works through a network of nerve cells that carry signals around the body. This system has two main parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system, or CNS, includes the brain and spinal cord. The brain acts as the body’s control center. It processes sensory information and helps coordinate responses. The spinal cord serves as a major pathway for signals between the brain and the rest...

neurons as communicators of the brain

Neuron Parts and Signal Transmission

Neurons are the cells that carry information through the brain and nervous system. They use electrical and chemical signals to help control body functions, from heartbeat regulation to complex thinking. Their structure is built for fast, efficient communication. The cell body, or soma, is the neuron’s control center. It contains the nucleus, which holds the cell’s genetic material and helps maintain the neuron’s health and function. The cytoplasm around it contains organelles that make...

neuronal communication

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neurotransmitters

Brain Chemicals That Shape Mood and Movement

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that help neurons communicate. They play a major role in nervous system function, as well as in mood, movement, sleep, and social behavior. Serotonin is made in the brain and intestines. It is linked to well-being and happiness, and it helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. When serotonin levels are out of balance in the brain or in peripheral sites, depression and sleep problems can occur. Dopamine is produced in several brain areas, including the...

cerebral hemispheres

How the Brain’s Two Halves Work

The brain’s two cerebral hemispheres work together to process information and control the body. The left and right hemispheres are linked by the corpus callosum, a large bundle of nerve fibers. This connection lets the two sides share sensory and motor information, with each hemisphere controlling the opposite side of the body. The hemispheres are also specialized for different tasks. This is called lateralization, which means certain functions are handled more strongly by one side than the...

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spinal cord

Spinal Cord Nerves and Reflexes

The spinal cord is a major part of the central nervous system. It runs from the base of the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It helps keep the body stable and carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord sits inside the bony spine for protection. It is divided into 30 segments that match the vertebrae. Each segment connects to a specific body region through paired spinal nerves. These spinal nerves are grouped by where they leave the...

lateralization

Brain Hemisphere Specialization

Brain hemisphere specialization divides mental tasks between the left and right sides of the brain. This split can improve neural efficiency and support more complex human abilities. Each hemisphere tends to handle the work it does best, which helps cognitive processing run more smoothly. The left hemisphere is especially strong in logic and language-related tasks. It supports analytical thinking, which means breaking a problem into parts and solving it step by step. This is important for...

human genetics

Genes, Behavior, and Mental Health

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genetic material

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Chromosomes, DNA, and inherited traits explain how genetic information is organized in the human body. Each cell contains a nucleus, and the nucleus holds 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. These chromosomes are tightly coiled structures made of DNA, which carries the instructions passed from parents to offspring. An individual inherits one set of chromosomes from the mother through the egg and one set from the father through the sperm. This combination creates a unique genetic makeup. Of...

genetic variation

How Alleles Shape Inherited Traits

Genetic variation helps explain why individuals in the same species can look and act differently. It comes from differences in DNA sequences. This diversity matters because it helps a species survive and adapt when the environment changes. Variation starts at fertilization, when an egg and sperm cell join. Each of these cells carries 23 chromosomes, so the fertilized egg can have up to 46 chromosomes. Chromosomes are long DNA strands that contain genes, which are the basic units of heredity. <br...

behavioral genetics and its designs

How Behavior Genetics Studies Inheritance

Behavior genetics studies how inherited genes influence human behavior. It looks at how genes passed from parents to offspring help shape behavioral traits and tendencies. The field also examines how inherited factors and environmental influences work together. Researchers use family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies to separate genetic and environmental effects. Family studies track traits within biological families to find possible genetic patterns. They have helped identify...

organization of the brain

Brain Regions and Their Key Functions

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evolutionary psychology

Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior

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neuroplasticity

How the Brain Rewires Itself

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brain imaging

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the endocrine system

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somatosensory, motor, and association cortex

somatosensory-motor-and-association-cortex

Brain Cortex Areas for Sensation and Movement

The brain cortex uses separate areas for sensation, movement, and higher thinking. The somatosensory cortex is in the parietal lobes. It helps the brain interpret touch, temperature, and proprioception, which is awareness of body position. The somatosensory cortex has an organized map of the body. Neurons at the top of this region mainly process signals from the lower body. Neurons at the bottom handle input from the upper body. This layout helps the brain locate sensory input with precision.

major hormones and their functions

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Hormones are chemical messengers made by endocrine glands. They help control body functions and keep internal conditions stable. When hormone levels shift too far up or down, normal body processes can be disrupted. Several major hormones have clear roles in the body. Oxytocin is made in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. It supports social bonding, childbirth, and lactation. Low oxytocin can affect social interaction and stress response, and it may contribute to depression.

inheritance

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heritability

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natural selection and adaptation

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natural selection and mating preferences

Natural selection and mating preferences work together to shape how organisms survive and reproduce. Natural selection favors traits that help an organism fit its environment. Mating preferences are part of sexual selection, which influences who mates with whom and how genes are passed on. Evolutionary psychologists argue that these preferences are tied to instincts that support reproduction. For females, conception, pregnancy, and nursing create a strong need to choose mates who can offer...

criticisms of the evolutionary perspective

criticisms-of-the-evolutionary-perspective

Social Learning vs. Evolutionary Psychology

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key terms and concepts

Explore how natural selection and sexual selection influence mate choice, from fertility cues and protection to age-based attraction patterns in humans.

How Selection Shapes Mate Choice | JoVE K12

JoVE Core Introduction to Psychology offers an engaging learning experience on the fundamental principles of psychology through concise video lessons. Students will explore important topics such as cognitive processes, emotional regulation, and neural mechanisms, establishing a strong foundation in the study of the mind and human behavior. This series provides an accessible and captivating approach to grasp the essential concepts of the discipline.

introduction to psychology

HS-LS4-3

Arizona Science Standards

Life Science

HS+B.L3

HS+B.L3U1.10

new-york-state-science-learning-standards

New York State Science Learning Standards

Natural Selection and Evolution

HS-LS4-1.

HS-LS4-4.

The DNA Helix

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The Central Dogma

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Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes

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Types of Genetic Transfer Between Organisms

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Evolutionary Relationships through Genome Comparisons

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Genome Copying Errors

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Phylogenetic Trees

Gene Duplication and Divergence

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Exon Recombination

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Comparing Copy Number Variations and SNPs

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Analyze and interpret scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence. Emphasis is on a conceptual understanding of the role each line of evidence (e.g., similarities in DNA sequences, order of appearance of structure during embryological development, cladograms, homologous and vestigial structures, fossil records) demonstrates as related to common ancestry and biological evolution.

HS-LS4-1

What is Natural Selection?

Natural selection is an evolutionary process in which individuals with survival-promoting traits reproduce at higher rates. These favorable traits become ...

Types of Selection

Natural selection influences the frequencies of particular alleles and phenotypes within populations in several different ways. Primarily, natural ...

Frequency-dependent Selection

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Limits to Natural Selection

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Natural Selection

Fitness
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Simulating Natural Selection
ExpandTo prepare for the lab, set out workstations for each student pair containing 6 white, 6 black, and 13 gray 12 inch ...

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Artificial Selection

Natural Selection and Adaptive Evolution
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Observing Artificial Selection in Plants
ExpandTwo weeks before beginning the pollination experiments, collect a sufficient amount of small pots with a ...

Observing Artificial Selection in Plants 
ExpandTo begin the experiment, collect five two-week old grown plants from the generation one population that ...

Natural Selection and Adaptation

Natural selection drives evolution by supporting organisms that are best adapted to their environments, enhancing their survival and reproduction rates.
...

The principle of natural selection suggests that organisms better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Evolutionary ...

What is Population Genetics?

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Genetic Drift

Natural selection&#x2014;probably the most well-known evolutionary mechanism&#x2014;increases the prevalence of traits that enhance survival and ...

Gene Flow

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This ...

Construct an explanation based on evidence that biological diversity is influenced by (1) the potential for a species to increase in number, (2) the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, (3) competition for limited resources, and (4) the proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the environment. Emphasis is on using evidence to explain the influence each of the four factors has on number of organisms, behaviors, morphology, or physiology in terms of ability to compete for limited resources and subsequent survival of individuals and adaptation of species. Examples of evidence could include mathematical models such as simple distribution graphs or proportional reasoning.

Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift

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Hardy-Weinberg Principle

Diploid organisms have two alleles of each gene, one from each parent, in their somatic cells. Therefore, each individual contributes two alleles to the ...

Apply concepts of statistics and probability to support explanations that populations of organisms adapt when an advantageous heritable trait increases in proportion to organisms lacking this trait. Emphasis is on analyzing shifts in numerical distribution of traits and using these shifts as evidence to support explanations for adaptations. Explanations could include basic statistical or graphical analysis.

Understanding Species and Reproductive Barriers

A species is a group of organisms that interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Typically, individuals of the same species appear similar and share ...

Formation of Species

Speciation describes the formation of one or more new species from one or sometimes multiple original species. The resulting species are discrete from the ...

Speciation Rates

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Genetics of Speciation

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Hybrid Zones

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Extinction

The History of Life on Earth
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Diversity and Extinction during the Paleogene Epoch
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Diversity and Extinction during the Paleogene Epoch
ExpandBegin this procedure by reading the extinction reading supplement that has been printed out for ...

Evaluate evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions can affect the distribution of traits in a population causing: (1) increases in the number of individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, and (3) the extinction of other species. Emphasis is on determining cause and effect relationships for how changes to the environment such as deforestation, overfishing, application of fertilizers, drought, flood, and the rate of change of the environment affect distribution or disappearance of traits in species.

HS-LS4-5

How Selection Shapes Mate Choice

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