Psychology 2075 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Penis Envy, Human Sexual Activity, Human Sexuality

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2075
• Professor: William Fisher

Document Summary

The idea that some behaviours are a result of evolution is called sociobiology. Evolution is a theory that all living things have acquired their present forms through gradual changes in their genetic endowment over successive generations. Natural selection is a process in nature resulting in greater rates of survival of those plants and animals that are adapted to their environment. Humans choose mates based off physical attractiveness, which some sociobiologists argue are the characteristics that determine ones health. These are related to the person"s reproductive potential; the unhealthy are less likely to produce offspring. Natural selection would favour individuals preferring mates who would have maximum reproductive success. Once a man and a woman mate, there are several obstacles to reproductive success, two being infant vulnerability and maternal death. Infant vulnerability is greatly reduced if the mother provides continuing physical care, including breast-feeding. It is further reduced if the father provides resources and security from attack for mother and infant.