Sexual jealousy

High school (ages 12+)
Animals & Nature

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/sexual-jealousy

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the scientific field of study?Evolutionary psychology, ethology, behavioral ecology
2. What is the core evolutionary function?Maximizing reproductive success by preventing mate loss to rivals
3. What is sexual jealousy in animals?It is an emotional and behavioral response that happens when an animal thinks its partner might be with another. The animal acts to protect its chance to mate and pass on its genes.
4. Why do animals feel jealous?Keeping a mate helps animals give their genes to future babies. They feel jealous to stop rivals from taking their partner.

Sexual Infidelity: Engaging in sexual activity with someone other than one's primary partner.
Reproductive Success: The ability of an organism to pass on its genes to the next generation.
Cuckoldry: The act of a male being deceived into raising offspring that are not his own.