Reproduction

      In this chapter, I learned many things, but when it discussed selecting a mate I was very surprised to learn about the science of sex appeal. The key term mate value is descried as a person’s characteristics that make them desirable to someone else as a partner. Some of these traits are known as attractiveness, loyalty, desire for a family, and being financially secure. I can agree with all of these traits because I too look for them when finding a mate.  In the chapter, the science of sex appeal was shown as video that Douglas Kendrick has been trying to solve for years. Dr. Kendrick proves his matching theory with an experiment using ten women and ten men that are all fairly attractive. He took all of the men and women and made them dress identical to each other. Everyone was given a random number based on desirability and had to try their best to match with a person with a high number. People in real life aim high for someone very attractive known as a ten. After, if they are rejected they start to lower their number to someone that will accept them. This social experiment proves mate value when people with a higher physical attractiveness can lure other attractive people based on numbers. 

            Men and women prefer mates with different traits. For example, women prefer a mate that is financially secure with an ambition to raise a family. Men prefer mates that are good looking due to fertility to produce many children. The key term, mate poaching is shown when two people are in a relationship, but someone attempts to attract one of these people. Studies show that 60% of men and 40% of women have attempted mate poaching. As someone in their 20's I have seen mate poaching in action and how it can have a negative affect on the relationship.