ANT331H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Neanderthal, Estrous Cycle, Digit Ratio
Document Summary
Most studies are based on sexual dimorphism: differences in traits between sexes of the same species, body size - dimorphism. Sexual dimorphism is usually indicative of male-male competition in a polygamist society: dentition canine size. Sex dimorphism is related to male to male competition. Indirect male to male competition: females are dispersed, males run between females, to be more agile and quick they are smaller in size, males are indirectly competing for access to fertile females. Sexual dimorphism is caused by male-male competition in a polygamist society: why do males compete, exclusive sexual access to a harem of females. Canine tooth dimorphism: used in male-male competition as a weapon or a signal of the ability to inflict harm, polygynous species have greater canine tooth dimorphism, e. g. Neandertals & modern humans: 15% difference in body weight and height, suggests moderate male-male competition, slight polygyny / mostly monogamy.
