Final answer:
The statement that males rank physical attractiveness higher than females is true, and this falls under the concept of sexual selection where traits like large eyes and high cheekbones are often preferred in females, while achievement and leadership are valued in males, according to the matching hypothesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The direct answer to whether males rank physical attractiveness higher than females is: a) True.
In terms of sexual selection, research has indicated that men do indeed prioritize physical attractiveness more so than women. This selection process is part of evolutionary biology, where males often compete for mating opportunities, and females are typically the choosers, selecting mates based on various traits, which may include but are not limited to physical attractiveness. Physical attributes that are universally found attractive among humans often play a role in this selection, with men generally showing a preference for features such as large eyes, high cheekbones, a narrow jaw line, and a lower waist-to-hip ratio in women. On the other hand, traits like achievement and leadership are typically valued by females when selecting a mate.
While physical attractiveness is important, it is not the only factor, as individuals tend to seek partners comparable to themselves in attractiveness and social desirability, known as the matching hypothesis. This balance suggests that people are realistic in their partner choices and consider a wide range of traits, not just physical appearance alone.