Question 1

Using examples, describe the mechanisms by which the sex of a developing animal may be determined. In the case of mammals, also briefly mention what we know to be the key genetic component in this process.

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Question 2

Explain how the different reproductive strategies of male and female mammals have resulted in choosy females and competitive males.

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Question 3

Discuss female selection of mates based on physical appearance and behavior. Using several case studies, describe the outward appearance of the physical or behavioral trait, the information that is being conveyed to the female, and the costs and benefits to the male.

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Question 4

Under what circumstances do males make substantial investments in reproduction? Describe how this is reflected in the appearance and behavior of different species.

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Question 5

Identify the major categories of social mating arrangements. Compare and contrast the prevalence of male and female promiscuity across these categories, including relevant examples. What is the payoff for promiscuity for males and for females?

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Question 6

Discuss how being a "helping relative" can be adaptive. Under what conditions might this type of behavior occur and between what degree of relatives? Use social insects as an example to illustrate your answer.

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Question 7

Why do most cultures ban marriage between closely related family members? Describe how this social phenomenon might be related to an evolved adaptation.

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Question 8

What functions other than reproduction might sex serve? Discuss this as it relates to the sexual behavior of bonobos.

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Question 9

Provide an overview of the process of evolution by natural selection, noting specifically the emergence and reproductive characteristics of eukaryotic cells.

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Question 10

Summarize the major steps involved in both mitosis and meiosis.

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Question 11

Outline the various explanations that have been proposed to account for the evolution of sexual reproduction and its commonality across species.

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Question 12

Discuss the major evolutionary issues in the development and maintenance of two sexes in most species. What theoretical issues are raised by the existence of sexless species, and what processes regulate sex ratios in other species?

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Question 13

Describe mammalian sex determination and compare it to sex determination in many reptilian species.

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Question 14

Explain the mechanics of sexual selection-the pressures that are exerted and the effects that they have on the anatomy, appearance, and behavior of animals. Illustrate your main points with examples from various species.

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Question 15

Discuss the distinction between social arrangements and sexual reality in animal liaisons, and how there may be a mismatch between the two. In particular, analyze and contrast the costs and benefits of promiscuity for males and females.

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Question 16

Explain kin selection theory and the concept of inclusive fitness, and then show how these concepts explain much, but not all, altruistic behavior.

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Question 17

With special reference to bonobos, discuss the evolution and possible functions of nonreproductive sex.

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Question 18

Discuss dating and mate selection on your campus. Does the general assumption that males compete for mates and females are choosy about their mates apply?

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Question 19

What criteria do young adult females establish in choosing a male for dating? In choosing a male as a lifetime partner? If these criteria differ, why do you think this is so? Provide both (and distinguish) psychological reasons-how men and women feel differently about sex, dating, and mating-and ultimate, evolutionary reasons-how men and women evolved to be different.

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Question 20

In what ways, if any, does willingness to engage in casual sex differ between males and females on your college campus?

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Quiz 2: Sex and Evolution