Sexual-selection is one hypothesis about why art evolved in humans.

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The question presents a straightforward true/false claim about a specific hypothesis underlying the evolution of art in humans.
Option True: This statement is considered accurate because many scholars have proposed that artistic behavior, including music, visual arts, and storytelling, could have evolved in part via sexual selection. The idea is that artistic displays may signal fitness, creativity, or social bonding, making individuals more attractive mates or better mates at attracting partners and reputational advantages within a group. In this framework, art functions as a signaling mechanism beyond mere practical utility.
Option False: If you chose this, the issue would be that you’re denying a well-discussed hypothesis in evolutionary psychology and anthropology. While not the only possible explanation for the existence of art, sexual selection is indeed one of the hypotheses proposed by researchers such as Geoffrey Miller and others. Dismissing it entirely would overlook a major line of reasoning about why art could have been favored by selection.
In summary, the claim aligns with a recognized hypothesis in the literature on the evolution of art, even though other explanations (cultural, cognitive, functional, or multi-factor accounts) also exist. The essential point is that art evolving due to sexual selection is a plausible and discussed perspective, whereas denying it contradicts established theoretical considerations.

ANTH 1050-090 Fall 2025 Exam 2

Sexual-selection is one hypothesis about why art evolved in humans.

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