Sexual Selection in Homo sapiens

Více o knize

This book examines sexual selection in humans, highlighting a unique aspect: parental influence over mate choice. Unlike non-human species, where sexual selection is often studied, human mating patterns frequently involve arranged marriages in preindustrial societies, with parents selecting spouses for their children. This parental choice acts as a significant sexual selection force, as traits that enhance an individual’s desirability as a son- or daughter-in-law provide reproductive advantages, leading to their increased prevalence in the population. The author introduces the term "parental choice" to encapsulate this phenomenon and synthesizes extensive theoretical and empirical research to model its effects. The goal is to identify the factors that contribute to parental choice and to develop a formal model that aligns with mating patterns across diverse human societies. Additionally, the book explores how this model can illuminate the evolution of mating-related behavioral traits. By integrating and revising existing arguments and models, it offers a comprehensive overview of this unique aspect of sexual selection in humans. This work is essential for those interested in the broader study of sexual selection and the specific dynamics within Homo sapiens.