Final answer:
Assertive mating practices in animals, such as male animals selecting larger, more fecund females when sperm supply is limited, exemplify how mating behavior maximizes reproductive success. These behaviors can be seen as parallel to human social strategies where desirable traits are sought in potential partners.
Step-by-step explanation:
An example of assertive mating practices among heterosexual couples can be drawn from studies on animal behavior, specifically in the context of how males optimize their reproductive success by selecting mates based on fertility potential. An illustrative example is seen in studies where male animals choose between potential female mates of different sizes, with larger females generally having higher fecundity, meaning they can produce more offspring. When males have limited reproductive resources, such as a depleted sperm supply after previous matings, they tend to prefer and select the larger, more fecund females. This behavior ensures that even with limited opportunities to mate, the males maximize their chances of producing offspring. In essence, the mating behavior of these animals relies on the physiological state of the male and its natural inclination to optimize the use of reproductive resources, even when these are scarce.
In the human context, assertive mating practices can be connected to the strategic social interactions where individuals seek partners who can offer desirable traits, be they physical, social, or economic. Anthropological studies, such as those by Roger Lancaster in Nicaragua, illustrate that human mating behaviors are complex and often stratified by gender norms and power dynamics, influencing social organization and alliances.