So I came across an article that I had to post. It is saying that males have more personality than females. Read on! It states that males have more pronounced personalities in species like humans and even birds. These pronounced traits are what draw females in, like aggression or being daring (which fits nicely with our sexual selection lecture). This study also shows that in most male species, the males show predictable behaviors that relate to parental care even. Females, on the other hand, seem to be less predictable (guilty!). The females, with this unpredictability, have a "choosier" personality upon picking mates (okay, and a lot more...).
The research dates back to 1972 when the Uni. of Exeter looked at gender differences and personality differences (along with sexual selection). They think that the sexual selection drives the personalities. They looked at zebra finches for example: when checking out a new territory, the females would search it out more than the males. The males who were consistent with their exploring were also chosen more as mates (this would mean the males would be consistent with finding food or beating up the predators (or maybe chasing them off).
These scientists really believe that personality is just as important as choosing a male with bright colors or huge...feathers. Could personality really evolve like these other traits? They seem to think so, but what do you think?
-Alyson Paige
(Group 3, last week-finally!)
This is a very interesting sbject and very relevant to what we are covering in class. I have no doubt that sexual selection is driving this personality difference seen among sexes. However, the real question is WHY do these females prefer these males. Is it because this trait is indicative of male fitness or do we females just have an innate preference for this personality.
ReplyDeletePosted By Alli Ortiz
Interesting post. I think many of my male friends would say girls are inconsistent and can't make up their minds, and now they unfortunately have scientific evidence! It does make sense that this would evolve in birds and other animals though, since the female usually has to be picky about who she mates with and the males have to be consistent to attract mates and defend the territory.
ReplyDelete-Posted by Sarah Benjamin
It's interesting that there is a little bit of sexual selection within humans too. It would be great if we could get guys to dance and sing for our attention.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what the purpose of the evolution of personality has today in humans. I also wonder, like you, if personality can evolve. I always thought it was environment that determined personality, but I guess genetics has influence in everything.
-Tricia Carlson
Update: The females prefer these males because they are predictable in what they do. If they are predictable, then the females can count on them to be there to take care of the children or protect her and be there for her. I do wonder if this is innate. I always heard the saying "girls choose guys like their fathers." Is that true? There is a lot of finding out to do about this topic, but this is certainly a start!
ReplyDelete-Alyson
I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH THIS ARTICLE!...haha..males totally have more personality than females! ..but then again i am a guy. this was a cool article tho Alyson. i thought it was really neat how it said that males show predictable behaviors that relate to parental care. i wonder what other species besides birds and humans is this common in? again awesome find!
ReplyDelete-Stephen C
This article is awesome. It would also be interesting to find out what makes females so much less predictable. Also it would be entertaining to see examples of how males have more personality than females. This would enable us to study the traits in males that are actually attractive to females. This is a good article to find because I haven't heard much on this topic at all. Its funny to think we fall under the same sexual selection ideas as so many other species. I wouldn't think this was the case just because males in our species have such a high parental investment.
ReplyDeletePosted by Tiffany Mallet