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ABSTRACT
Scientists
have described many physical and behavioral traits in avian and
mammalian species that evolved to attract mates. But the brain
mechanisms by which conspecifics become attracted to these traits
is unknown. This paper maintains that two aspects of mate choice
evolved in tandem: 1) traits that evolved in the “display
producer” to attract mates and, 2) corresponding neural mechanisms
in the “display chooser” that enable them to become
attracted to these display traits. Then it discusses our (in-progress)
fMRI brain scanning project on human romantic attraction, what
we believe is a developed form of “courtship attraction”
common to avian and mammalian species as well as the primary neural
mechanism underlying avian and mammalian mate choice. The paper
hypothesizes that courtship attraction is associated with elevated
levels of central dopamine and norepinephrine and decreased levels
of central serotonin in reward pathways of the brain. It also
proposes that courtship attraction is part of a triune brain system
for mating, reproduction and parenting.
1)
The sex drive evolved to motivate birds and mammals to court any
conspecifics.
2)
The attraction system evolved to enable individuals to discriminate
among potential mating partners and focus courtship activities
on particular individuals, thereby conserving mating time and
energy.
3)
The neural circuitry for attachment evolved to enable individuals
to complete species-specific parental duties.
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