In a study on mate choice, men and women were able to spend "mate dollars" on traits they desired in a life partner. With a limited budget, women spent 17% of their money on yearly income, compared to only 3% spent by men on the same trait. Thus, women seem to prefer men that can provide direct, material benefits. Which hypothesis for this preference is based on direct benefits of female mate choice?

A) A wealthy man can provide assistance for her relatives and their offspring, thereby providing an indirect fitness benefit.
B) A man's wealth is indicative of his intelligence, and therefore he will likely produce offspring that are also intelligent.
C) A wealthy man can provide more parental care and resources to care for his offspring.
D) A wealthy man benefits his or her society by providing assistance to individuals otherwise likely to be a burden to the group.

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Halie Carrier · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : C, Explanation :  The direct benefits hypothesis suggests that females prefer mates who can provide immediate, tangible benefits that enhance their own survival and reproductive success, or that of their offspring. Choice C directly addresses this by stating that a wealthy man can provide more resources and parental care for his offspring, which is a direct benefit to the female in terms of increasing the survival and well-being of her offspring.

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