5) Describe the Different ‘Mating Systems’ – What Does Evolutionary Theory Say Might Cause the Different Choices? (6 Marks)

There are 5 main mating systems in humans, Monogamy where one female and one male are paired together. Polygamy where one sex mates with lots of members of the other sex and Polygyny where one male has a group of woman (harem). Polyandry, one female and many males and finally polygynandy which is many males and many females all having promiscuous intercourse. Evolutionary theory says if there is not many resources around then monogamy will become likely as there will be a greater chance of survival for the offspring as it will have two parents looking for food for it not just one parent. With polygynandy care can be provided by either parent but the offspring can still have the best genes if the mother has had an affair with the animal with the best gene’s, but live with the one with best resources, (best for female and offspring success). Polygynandy also promotes more diversity and reduce harm from male competition. With Polyandry it is rare in humans but has been exhibited in Tibet where a woman can marry two men as long as they are brothers, this is because in Tibet most people live off farming but you need 3 people to run a farm. As the two men are brothers and already know each other, when there is a baby it won’t matter as much if it isn’t there baby as they still have DNA shared with the baby and can still feel an emotional tie and bond with baby and therefore still feel obliged to look after