Question 1

According to Parental Investment Theory, which of the following best explains why females are generally choosier than males when selecting a mate?

Accepted Answer

Females invest more resources and energy into offspring, including gestation and post-partum care.

Question 2

Which concept refers to the number of children that a person of a given age and sex is likely to have in the future?

Accepted Answer

Reproductive value

Question 3

In the context of human mating, what is the primary evolutionary reason for men to prefer younger women as mates?

Accepted Answer

Younger women have a higher reproductive value, indicating a longer future window for reproduction.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the Handicap Principle in evolutionary psychology?

Accepted Answer

Traits that are costly or disadvantageous can serve as honest signals of genetic quality.

Question 5

Which mating system is characterized by one female mating with more than one male, and is considered the most uncommon among mammals?

Accepted Answer

Polyandry

Question 6

What is the evolutionary significance of concealed ovulation in human females?

Accepted Answer

It requires males to remain with females more often to ensure paternity, promoting pair bonding.

Question 7

Which of the following best defines paternity certainty?

Accepted Answer

The probability that a male is the biological father of his mate's offspring.

Question 8

According to Buss' cross-cultural research, which mate preference shows the largest sex difference in importance ranking?

Accepted Answer

Physical attractiveness

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of neoteny in human mate preferences?

Accepted Answer

Preference for partners with large eyes, smooth skin, and small jaw

Question 10

A man is concerned about investing resources in a child that may not be his biological offspring. Which evolutionary concept is most relevant to his concern?

Accepted Answer

Paternity certainty

Question 11

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between reproductive success ($$RS$$), number of offspring ($$N$$), and reproductive value ($$RV) $$for an individual?

Accepted Answer

$$RS = N 	imes RV$$

Question 12

In which type of mating system is there typically the greatest degree of sexual dimorphism?

Accepted Answer

Polygyny

Question 13

A woman is seeking a short-term mate and is in the fertile part of her cycle. According to evolutionary psychology, which type of male is she most likely to prefer?

Accepted Answer

A male who is more masculine and physically attractive

Question 14

Which of the following statements about human mate preferences is supported by cross-cultural research?

Accepted Answer

Women universally place more importance on a mate's financial resources than men do.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the relationship between sexual dimorphism and mating systems in mammals?

Accepted Answer

Greater sexual dimorphism is associated with polygynous mating systems due to increased male-male competition.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a universal mate preference found in Buss' (1989) study across 37 cultures?

Accepted Answer

Preference for older mates

Question 17

A researcher is studying the effect of parental investment on mate choosiness. Which prediction is most consistent with Trivers' Parental Investment Theory?

Accepted Answer

The sex that invests more in offspring will be more selective in mate choice.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why human females, unlike other great apes, have large breasts even when not lactating?

Accepted Answer

To signal constant fertility to potential mates.

Question 19

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of reproductive value?

Accepted Answer

A 20-year-old woman is considered to have a higher potential for future offspring than a 40-year-old woman.

Question 20

Which of the following is a likely evolutionary explanation for why lawns are considered aesthetically pleasing in many cultures?

Accepted Answer

Lawns resemble open savannahs, which were advantageous environments in the EEA (Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness).

Human Mating: Evolutionary Perspectives and Sex Differences

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