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_Behavior Involved in Mate Selection and Attraction _
By: Anonymous
Reproduction in Homo sapiens, as in all animals, is a primary driving force
and has been elaborated upon since the beginnings of society. Humans must take
part in sexual reproduction to produce offspring, thus initiation behaviors
can be studied. Commonly, the male makes advances and the female is the
selector, or chooses the mate. For humans, this holds true and behavior is
modified to maximize competitive receptability. This phenomenon carries across
all cultural boundaries and is deeply rooted in the overall behavior patterns
in the people of the culture. People try to refine their natural appearance to
maximize mating opportunity. The males attempt to enhance features for success
in initiation and females compete for receptability completeness. Decorations
of the face and skin can vary from elongated ear lobes and a pierced nose to
eye shadow and lipstick. Elaborate costumes have been witnessed to help in the
process of mate selection. Behaviors can stem from submissiveness to
aggression in the act of initiation. The following data was recorded at a
local establishment. The interactions recorded were made between males and
females. Start time 10:30pm: Target group: young males and females Observed
behavior: -approach, by male, to opposite sex -approach, by female, to
opposite sex -initiation of communication between sexes -gift presentation
to opposite sex (drink buying) -physical touch by hands by one sex to the
other -physical gesturing and locomotion (dancing) -intimate physical touch
(kissing, hugging) -Female reaction to male These activities are part of the
initiation process that leads to mate selection and sexual reproduction. The
participants in the mate selecting group also sported various forms of
adornment to increase mate reception. For the males, clothing (some tight or
revealing of body structure), jewelry, scent masking or enhancement, and
domineering posture. Males also revealed a more aggressive behavior style than
females. Females displayed facial coloring (make-up), clothing (some revealing
of body), scents, jewelry on hands, around neck, and in ears, and coloration
of fingernails. Females could pose an inviting body posture to promote
initiation and took part in selecting which males are acceptableThese types
of behaviors witnessed were all part of the American cultural style of
initiation of mate selection. Some of the activities and patterns listed can
cross cultural boundaries. Face painting, ornate dress, and scent
proliferation have been witnessed in many societies at different times
throughout the world and history. One common pattern that was mutual between
the sexes was the utility of a social lubricant . The individuals witnessed
took part in the consumption of alcoholic beverages to induce social
interactivity. At the end of the observation period (approx. 1.5 hrs. later)
some of the females had selected a male of perceived appropriate value. Note
that of the pairings, more symmetrically attractive females attracted more
symmetrically attractive males. This holds true with other cultures and the
rest of the animal kingdom. The most fit male may be seen as the most
attractive in this situation and the female who can chose him does so. Fitness
and symmetry are both properties that can reveal genetic superiority. It is
only natural of the female to select a mate of adequate reproductive
potential. This is observed in the study and matches the correlating
informaiton about mate selection. Humans follow the same mate selecting
pattern as the rest of the animal kingdom. Although highly modified and
complex in comparison to the rest of the animal world the results are still
the same. The most capable male will be selected in the light of the most fit
female. Competition is inherent in this system and, for humans, both sexes try
to promote maximum success. The behavioral patterns witnessed are products of
societal influence and can differ for each society. These behavioral displays
are an integral part of the mate selection process and are prevalent in humans
today.
Word Count: 636
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