1.1.1 Evolutionary influences (Bi)

Question 1

What does the evolutionary assumption say?

Answer 1

Behaviour can be explained in terms of evolutionary influences

Question 2

Explain the process of evolution:

Answer 2

• variations in characteristics between individuals
• these characteristics being inherited (next generation)
• because they are more adaptive (help ensure survival and reproduction)

Question 3

What is the biologically preparedness theory?

Answer 3

“Behaviours that arose and helped early ancestors survive and reproduce in the EEA should still exist today”

Question 4

What is the EEA?

Answer 4

The environment of evolutionary adaptiveness

Question 5

Explain the fight or flight response in terms of the biological preparedness theory:

Answer 5

• ancestors in the EEA would avoid potentially dangerous stimuli, they then would be more likely to survive and pass down defence mechanisms
• people today are more likely to have fears of dangerous things

Question 6

Explain then phobic response of running from snakes and spiders:

Answer 6

• they are potentially poisonous running from them in the EEA would increase the chance of survival

Question 7

Explain the phobic response of freezing when on a height:

Answer 7

• it would stop you falling and injuring yourself, increasing survival

Question 8

Explain the phobic response of avoiding open spaces:

Answer 8

• in the EEA avoiding open spaces mean you were less likely to be seen as easy prey

Question 9

Explain the behaviour of humans sleeping at night:

Answer 9

• we can’t see in th dark
• less likely to be seen in the EEA
• safer

Question 10

Explain the behaviour of humans preferring high calorie food:

Answer 10

• in the EEA this would mean more fat could be stored for winter

Question 11

Explain the behaviour of parents and children forming close bonds:

Answer 11

• babies are defenceless, forming a close bond with parents would increase their survival as they would be looked after