IndexIntroductionSexual selection between humans and non-human primatesTrends in human evolutionSwitch from intersexual to intrasexualSummaryReferencesIntroductionSexual selection is a controversial term due to its definition. Sexual selection can be seen as an independent type of selection; separate from natural selection. However, others see sexual selection as another form of selection within natural selection. These opinions come from the discoverers of natural selection: Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. Although both agreed on the ideals of natural selection, both Darwin and Wallace argued over the definition of sexual selection. This was an ongoing dispute until Darwin's death; giving Wallace the upper hand in the sexual selection discussion. Wallace had been successful in defining sexual selection; putting to rest Darwin's view on sexual selection. Darwin's view remained silent as Wallace's view was more widely accepted than Darwin's. However, Richard Prum, author of The Evolution of Beauty, supports Darwin's ideas instead of Wallace. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Sexual selection is a type of selection in which species choose who to mate with. According to Darwin's vision, there are two forces: intersexual; the struggle between male-male and intrasexual competition; females are the primary selectors of mate. He also believed that (ornamental) beauty standards and weaponized traits coevolved together. It states that a being must be attractive enough to find mates to breed with, while still being able to survive to reproduce. Being a creationist, Wallace did not agree with Darwin. Wallace believed that sexual selection was an explanation for the fact that it is another form of natural selection. He stated that female mate choice is directly linked to a male's survival and not to displaying traits. Sexual selection between humans and non-human primates Sexual selection between humans and non-human primates differs due to the complexity of human evolution. A significant difference is the frequency of the mating system between both populations. In a modern human society; monogamous relationships are the most common type of mate choice (Kinzey 1987). This allows for greater investment by parents for offspring because most species that follow the monogamous mating system; they tend to have longer gestation periods and fewer children per birth. On the other hand, monogamy is rare among non-human primates, while polygamous mate choice is more common. Non-human primates that follow the polygamous mating system tend to have more offspring overall, but have less paternal involvement than primates that follow the monogamous mating system. Both mating systems have their problems: individuals fighting for a single mate in monogamy and individuals fighting each other within a group to gain access to the single mate in polygamy. However, both mating systems can persuade male primates to commit infanticide. At the same time; Infanticide is considered immoral and criminal in most human societies. Because there is no criminal structure among nonhuman primates, their morals may vary. This allows them to take part in infanticide as they wish. Another common problem between the two mating systems is sexual coercion. Even if theSexual coercion is not part of sexual selection, it is significant in mate choice. Those who commit sexual coercion may be seen as unattractive. Sexual coercion is favorable for human beings as there are punishments for those who commit rape. As for nonhuman primates, the lack of a criminal system allows males to sexually coerce females without punishment. It is common for males to take part in sexual coercion to ensure that females produce their offspring. Male chimpanzees commonly rape females to ensure their offspring are produced. However, sexual coercion among humans is considered immoral and can lead to severe punishments depending on the criminal's country of residence. A formal judicial structure and morality favor individual mate choice for humans; where non-human primates are left to fend for themselves. The technology in humans is superior to that of nonhuman primates to the point that contraceptives prevent human pregnancies. This allows humans to engage in sexual intercourse for pleasure and eliminates the fear of unwanted pregnancies. Unlike humans, there are non-human primates who are unable to create contraceptives, rather humans have created contraceptives for them. Therefore, most nonhuman primates do not have access to contraceptives and can engage in sexual intercourse; with a high possibility of becoming impregnated. Having sexual intercourse for pleasure is a trend among living species, including humans. These trends can help better distinguish human evolution; we can correlate similar behaviors between humans and other species. A significant trend is moving away from intersexual selection; to intrasexual selection. Trends in human evolution Sexual selection among birds may help determine trends in human evolution. For example, ducks desire to have sexual intercourse with female ducks who have autonomy. In a sexual relationship between human beings there is no relationship if an individual, predominantly female, does not have autonomy; that is, the right to make independent choices. This tendency is that both partners in a sexual relationship are willing to be together; instead of an individual forced together. Another example given by Prum would be the Great Argo; females are attracted to males based on appearance and ornamental traits. This trend that those who look better will have access to more mates may be true for humans. However, appearances are not the only factors that make an individual attractive. Humans can be: socially attractive, intellectually attractive, emotionally attractive, physically attractive or even financially attractive. Sexual selection among humans becomes more complex as we evolve further and further away from non-human primates. We can expect humans to focus on beauty standards rather than overall survival. Transition from intersexual to intrasexual The benefits of sexual selection are: access to resources, refuge for protection and increased parental care. For most hominids, males are the sole resource providers while females care for offspring. If females are the ones who carry offspring during gestation periods and invest more time in their babies; then their autonomy should be considered in relation to males. Females are found where there are abundant resources and males are found where females are found. If males provide the resources, then females can choose which male they prefer. The males who.