Assumption 1- Evolutionary influences Flashcards
What is the idea of evolutionary theory?
-To evolve means to change with time
-Variations or mutations can sometimes enable animals to
cope better with environmental demands and reach
adulthood. This gives them the opportunity to pass on
their own genes
What is natural selection
-Based on Darwin’s theory
-Any genetically determined behaviour that enhances
survival and reproduction will be naturally selected (the
genes will be passed on to the net generation)
What is an example of natural selection?
Altruistic behaviour where parents will risk their lives to save their offspring
What are the three main assumptions of natural selection?
- Only a small proportion of each generation will survive to reproduce
- Offspring are slightly different to their parents and these variations will sometimes enable the species to cope better with environmental demands
- Some characteristics gives the species an advantage over others in the ability to survive and reproduce and these traits are passed on through genes
How could evolution explain a possible biological predisposition to fear snakes and spiders?
Snakes and spiders can kill with one bite. People who are predisposed to avoid these are less likely to get bitten and die. They will therefore survive longer and will be more likely to reproduce.
What is intersexual selection?
Intersexual selection is when one gender makes mate choices based on a specific characteristic in the other gender
eg. A male peacocks tail
The more flamboyant the display, the more likely a male is to attract a female.
In every culture men prefer young women to old women, women with wide hips and narrow waists, and women with full lips and large eyes. What is an evolutionary expiation for this?
Full lips and large are are signs of youth. Younger women are more fertile. Men who have sex with young women are more likely to produce offspring. Narrow waists are wide hips are signs of fertility and health.
