Adaptations to Ovulation

Strategic Sexual Signals: Women's Display versus Avoidance of the Color Red Depends on the Attractiveness of an Anticipated Interaction Partner

“…There may be deeper biological reasons for red’s association with sexuality, as well. For example, reddish skin tone can signal high levels of cardiovascular health [ 13 ] and there are important reproductive reasons for preferring potential mates who are healthy [ 14 , 15 ]. Indeed, several findings suggest that the link between red and sexuality may not be a product of societal conditioning alone, but might also have roots in humans’ biological heritage.…”

Are stone-age genes created out of whole cloth? Evaluating claims about the evolution of behavior

“…Sugiyama (2005) explains preferences for individuals who are physically attractive as having ''evolved because they tended to increase the distribution of the suite of alleles linked with that preference'' (p. 293). Gangestad et al (2005) assume that alleles underlie adaptations to ovulation (p. 356), and Kurland and Gauland discuss the paradox of altruism in terms of the ''spread of alleles' ' (p. 449). Finally, it should be noted that Buss continues to emphasize the centrality of genes in the latest edition of his EP textbook, in which he states outright that ''adaptations have a genetic basis'' (Buss 2012, p. 38).…”

The Evolution of Morality

“…We might also do well to acknowledge the effects that hormones and other physiological processes have on our cognition and behavior. For instance, women's mate preferences change as a function of their ovulatory cycle status (see Gangestad, Thornhill, & Garver-Apgar, 2005 , for review). More to the point, women prefer dominant "hunks" when they are at peak fertility (presumably because such men are genetically well endowed), but prefer men who promise long-term commitment, empathy, and paternal care when they are in the lower fertility phase.…”