PSYCH 3F03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Ecological Validity, Estrogen, Menstrual Taboo
6 Dec 2016
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Document Summary
Periodic state of excitement in the female of most mammals, excluding humans, that immediately precedes ovulation and during which the female is most receptive to mating;heat. Lack of any perceptible change in an adult female when she is (cid:498)in heat(cid:499) Humans do not fit this definition, as women appear more attractive and near ovulation during ovulation. However, you cannot pick out which women are ovulating in a room. Yes: no sexual swellings or overt cues to fertility status. No: men are more attracted to women when they are (cid:498)in estrus(cid:499) than in menses. Reduces paternity certainty: mate for a steady period of time. Encourages mate guarding; other mammals only mate during fertility: humans have extended sexuality, mate during whole cycle. Increased mate guarding: more food, protection, resources, higher paternity certainty. Decreases m-m competition all males have access to females throughout cycle, better social systems. Reduces energy allocated to mate search behaviors. Greater probability that copulation results in fertilization.
