Hypothesized fitness indicators and mating success

Abstract

This study will attempt to create a valid measure of mating success (a proxy for reproductive success), which focuses on the quality of a person’s most recent long-term and short-term sexual relationship from an evolutionary perspective. Additionally, this thesis will test many hypotheses put forth by Miller’s (2000b) ‘fitness-indicator theory.’ Results suggest that this new measure of mating success is highly reliable and correlates with female fluctuating asymmetry. Furthermore, the data do not support Miller’s ‘fitness-indicator theory,’ and instead shows support for the ‘trade-off hypothesis.’ Finally, the data revealed that an individual’s self-perceived desirability is dependent upon one’s IQ level and one’s preference for either short or long-term sexual relationships.