Does the presence of a female serve to promote this end? Now we know
very little of the influence exerted by one sex upon the other.
Professor Lloyd Morgan has suggested that the male raises the emotional
tone of the female, a suggestion which seems to me in accordance with
the facts. There is reason to believe, however, that the converse is
also true--namely that the excitement of the male reaches a higher level
of intensity when a female is present. Granting then that his emotional
tone is raised, how will this affect the question? So great is the
difference of opinion as to the part that the emotions play in
furthering the life of the individual that one hesitates to accept any
particular one. But it seems to be generally admitted that emotion adds
to the efficacy of behaviour, and this is the view of Professor Lloyd
Morgan. "Whatever may be the exact psychological nature of the emotions,
it may be regarded," he says, "as certain that they introduce into the
conscious situation elements which contribute not a little to the energy
of behaviour. They are important conditions to vigorous and sustained
conation." Therefore, if it be true that the female raises the emotional
tone of the male, the result will be an increased flow of energy into
all the specific modes of behaviour connected with reproduction, amongst
which those directly concerned in the securing and defence of the
territory will receive their share; so that instead of a progressive
weakening of just those elements in the situation which make for
success, the level of their efficiency will be maintained as a result of
such reinforcement. But the female becomes intolerant of her own sex
when she has discovered a male ready to breed, and, later, assists her
mate in resisting intrusion; and by raising her emotional tone, he may
be the means of furthering more strenuous behaviour on her part. Each
member of the pair would in this way contribute towards the energy of
behaviour of its mate, and hence add indirectly to the security of the
territory.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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