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Romantic love, which is discussed within the context of monogamous human relationships in the textbook, exists because it was evolutionarily advantageous for our ancestors. Is this true or false? Why?

a) True. Romantic love may have evolutionary advantages in promoting pair bonding.
b) True. Romantic love has no evolutionary significance.
c) False. Romantic love is a recent cultural construct.
d) False. Romantic love has no scientific basis in evolutionary theory.

User Delaney
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Final answer:

Romantic love may have been evolutionarily advantageous for our ancestors, promoting pair bonding and the continuation of the species through mechanisms such as mate-guarding, male-assistance, and female-enforcement hypotheses.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks whether romantic love had an evolutionary advantage for our ancestors within the context of monogamous human relationships. The answer is True. Romantic love may have evolutionary advantages in promoting pair bonding. This conclusion is supported by evolutionary biology and sociobiology, which link human behaviors, including those related to mating and social relationships, to physical drives and the continuation of the species. Additionally, monogamous systems in various animals, including humans, are often observed where pair bonding plays a crucial role in mate-guarding, male-assistance, and female-enforcement, all contributing to the evolutionary success of the species by ensuring the survival and health of offsprings. Thus, romantic love can be seen as a product of natural selection driving our ancestors to engage in behaviors that favor the continuation and thriving of their genetic legacy.

User Jemerick
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