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Mate selection is influenced by evolved psychological mechanisms from "summary" of Evolutionary Psychology by David M. Buss
Mate selection is influenced by evolved psychological mechanisms that have been shaped by natural selection over thousands of generations. These mechanisms are designed to solve adaptive problems that our ancestors faced in the mating domain, such as choosing a mate who will enhance reproductive success. One key mechanism that influences mate selection is the preference for physical attractiveness. Evolutionary psychologists argue that physical attractiveness signals important information about an individual's genetic quality, health, and fertility. For example, features like clear skin, symmetrical faces, and a waist-to-hip ratio of about 0.7 are universally considered attractive because they are indicators of good health and fertility. Another evolved psychological mechanism that shapes mate selection is the preference for resources and status. Women, in particular, are thought to have evolved a preference for mates who can provide resources and protection for themselves and their offspring. Men, on the other hand, are thought to value youth and fertility in potential mates because these traits are associated with reproductive success. Evolutionary psychologists also argue that mate selection is influenced by mechanisms that detect cues of genetic relatedness. This is because mating with close genetic relatives can increase the risk of genetic disorders in offspring. As a result, individuals are thought to be attracted to mates who are genetically dissimilar, as this increases genetic diversity and reduces the risk of genetic abnormalities in offspring.- Mate selection is not a random process but rather one that is guided by evolved psychological mechanisms that have been shaped by natural selection. These mechanisms help individuals make adaptive choices that enhance reproductive success and increase the chances of passing on their genes to future generations. By understanding these evolved mechanisms, we can gain insights into the complex and often unconscious processes that underlie human mate selection.
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