PSY BEH 11A Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Vasopressin, Oophorectomy, Physical Attractiveness
18 Oct 2016
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Mechanism: most animals are sexually receptive only during certain periods of the year. A lot of biology control, not learned behaviors engrained (ex) mating dances: high estrogen levels are detected by the hypothalamus, which in turn triggers the fixed-action-patterns of mating behavior. Humans are set apart in terms of this behavior: human females still have this periodic change in their hormones. Ovulation / menstruation cyclic: human sexuality has extended beyond most biological influences. Human females display sexual behaviors throughout the menstrual cycle. Castration and ovariectomy do not diminish sexual behavior. Sexual behavior is not controlled by sexual hormones (which is the case for most animals) Physical attraction is not a universal trait: physical attractiveness varies across cultures, perceptions of physical attractiveness change over time. Sexual selection in humans (cid:862) elfish ge(cid:374)e(cid:863) theory. What is the best strategy for maximizing reproductive success: premise: Males: implanting sperm imposes a low cost. Biological fitness is improved by impregnating many females.
