| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science |
| Editors | Todd Shackelford, Viviana Weekes-Shackelford |
| Publisher | Springer |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-3-319-19650-3, 978-3-319-16999-6 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-3-319-19649-7 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 2018 |
Abstract
Choosing a mate is a complex decision for an individual to make: there are myriad personal characteristics that potential mating partners possess which can each affect the chooser’s fitness. Some of these characteristics are physical traits which indicate high genetic quality, such as bilateral symmetry and cues to sex hormone levels. Others include a potential mate’s likely ability to negotiate their social world to their own benefit and to secure food and other resources. The large number of personal attributes that must be weighed-up in mate choice decisions means that individuals are likely to vary in their skill at choosing the best partner. The best partner in an evolutionary context is...