Biological approach ‘evolutionary influences’

Question 1

Define what is meant by evolutionary influences

Answer 1

Evolutionary psychology suggests that the inherited structure of the human mind, and human behaviour, is the product of evolutionary processes.

Question 2

Explain what is meant by evolutionary influences

Answer 2

Genes are passed from one generation to another and are mixed from both parents. This causes genetic diversity which allows changes to occur.​

Through natural selection, adaptation is important. This means that those who survive, breed, and the traits that allowed us to survive within the environment are passed on. ​

This ensures behavioural patterns that are well adapted to the environment will again survive and pass on this trait and so on

Question 3

What is the example of evolutionary influences?

Answer 3

Buss’s research into sexual selection demonstrated the idea that males and females have evolved to have preferences for certain characteristics in mate choices (romantic partners).​

This is due to parental investment; in mammals, males’ contributions in terms of effort are significantly lower than the effort required by a female, so therefore females would look for a male who can provide resources (shelter, food and protection). ​

Reproductive success is linked to a females age putting limits on their fertility. Therefore males need to be able to identify a potentially fertile female; muscle tone, lustrous hair and full lips are physical cues for the reproductive capacity of a female​

As a result, some behaviours we display are a direct result of our inherited and evolutionary behaviour