Preferences for sweets, for good looks by men, and fear of spiders and snakes have what feature in common regarding their origins. These preferences and fears result from

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Preferences for sweets, good looks in men, fear of spiders and fear of snakes all have an evolutionary basis. Specifically, they are all believed to have arisen either through natural selection or sexual selection. For example, a preference for sweets may have developed because our ancestors needed a high-calorie diet to survive the lean times, while fear of spiders and snakes may have arisen because they posed a real threat to our ancestors' survival. Similarly, certain physical traits that are valued in men (such as broad shoulders or a square jaw) may have evolved because they signaled good health or genetic fitness, and were therefore attractive to potential mates. While other factors (such as social expectations or observational learning) may also play a role in shaping these preferences and fears, the most fundamental explanation is their evolutionary origin.

Preferences for Sweets, for Good Looks by Men, and Fear