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Related Experiment Videos

Evolution of human mate choice.

David C Geary1, Jacob Vigil, Jennifer Byrd-Craven

  • 1Department of Psychology, 210 McAlester Hall, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211-2500, USA. GearyD@missouri.edu

Journal of Sex Research
|June 25, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Human and animal mate preferences evolved to maximize reproductive success by assessing opposite-sexes

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary psychology
  • Behavioral ecology
  • Comparative psychology

Background:

  • Mate choice is a fundamental aspect of reproduction across species.
  • Understanding human mate choice benefits from evolutionary frameworks.
  • Previous research has explored mate preferences in various species.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evolutionary theory and empirical research on mate choices in nonhuman species.
  • To use nonhuman mate choice as a frame for understanding human mate selection.
  • To explain the evolutionary 'how' and 'why' of human mate preferences.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of evolutionary theory and empirical studies on mate choice.
  • Comparative analysis of mate preferences in humans and nonhuman species.
  • Integration of concepts of reproductive potential and reproductive investment.

Main Results:

  • Mate preferences in humans and other species have evolved to focus on reproductive potential and investment.
  • Reproductive potential encompasses genetic, material, and social resources for offspring.
  • Reproductive investment is the utilization of resources for offspring well-being.

Conclusions:

  • Human mate preferences, including those of men and women, are shaped by evolutionary pressures.
  • Similarities and differences in human mate choice reflect evolved strategies related to offering and seeking reproductive potential.
  • Understanding these evolved mechanisms provides insight into the complexities of human pair-bonding and reproduction.

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