When it comes to competition and choice - males always compete and females always choose.

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question presents a sweeping claim about gendered mating strategies: that males always compete and females always choose. 
Option 1: 'True' – This statement is not accurate. While there is plenty of research showing tendencies for males to engage in competitive displays and for females to be selective in some contexts, human mating behavior is highly variable and context-dependent. There are numerous situations in which females also compete (e.g., in intrasexual competition for mates, status, or resources) and males may exhibit choosiness or display preferences. So labeling the behavior as universal across all contexts is misleading. 
Option 2: 'False' – This is the better choice. It acknowledges that mating behaviors are not rigidly divided by sex and that both competition and choice can occur in either gender depending on ecological, social, and cultural factors. It captures the nuance that females can compete for mates and that males can be selective or cautious in mate choice as well. 
In terms of underlying concepts, many studies in evolutionary biology and behavioral ecology emphasize flexibility and context-dependence in mating strategies rather than binary, universal roles. Real-world observations show overlaps: male-male competition for access to mates, female mate choice based on indicators of quality, mutual mate choice, and several exceptions driven by environment, individual differences, or sexual orientation. 
Therefore, the blanket statement that males always compete and females always choose is an overgeneralization and does not hold across varied contexts.

ANTH 1050-090 Fall 2025 ANTH 1050-090 Exam 1

When it comes to competition and choice - males always compete and females always choose.

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