Final answer:
The approaches to ethology, using facial attractiveness, involve studying the evolutionary and genetic basis for mate preferences, which include traits indicating health and genetic fitness. The good genes hypothesis and sexual selection theory contribute to understanding why specific facial traits are universally attractive. These preferences reflect the underlying biological drives shaped by natural selection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Using facial attractiveness to explain the approaches to ethology involves understanding the biological basis of behavior through concepts such as sexual selection and evolutionary biology. Facial attractiveness is influenced by both genetic and cultural factors, with certain traits being considered universally appealing, such as symmetry and proportions relating to eyes, cheekbones, and jawline for women, and height and shoulder-to-waist ratio for men. These features can be signs of genetic health, which are preferred when selecting mates, supporting the sexual selection theory.
The good genes hypothesis argues that individuals with impressive ornaments, like facial attractiveness, are preferred as mates because these traits signal genetic superiority. Conversely, the handicap principle suggests that only the fittest can afford to develop costly traits. Adding a sociobiological perspective, human behavior, including mate selection, is also influenced by the drive to pass on advantageous genetic traits.
Biological anthropology uses evolutionary theory to analyze how human behaviors such as mating preferences are shaped by natural selection, where favorable characteristics increase reproductive success. The study of human facial attractiveness, therefore, intersects with ethology as it provides insights into the ways humans have evolved to signal health, genetic fitness, and social desirability—factors that contribute to the continuation of our species.