Withholding age as putative deception in mate search tactics

摘要: Abstract Mate choice is a process of negotiation in which individuals make decisions about whether or not to allow relationship with prospective mate develop into long-term relationship. In some cases, this begins opening bids between strangers. Although each individual may have clearly perceived set preferred options, frequency-dependent effects and constraints on available search time often mean that settle for less than ideal partners. Age criterion males use judging the value female partners, because it correlates fertility. paper, we analyze personal advertisements show women decline declare their age order appear younger they really are. This allows them be more demanding would otherwise able be. A comparison trait profiles those known suggests who disguise ages are likely range 35 50 years. Three alternative explanations can suggested: such behavior might an attempt find high-quality partner (1) before reproductive opportunities foreclosed by menopause, (2) replace lost paternal investment, (3) reduce burden children caring aging parents obtaining companionship assistance from new partner.