BIOLOGICAL evolution and natural selection as an explanation of aggression Flashcards
define the term evolution
how our genes are affected by the process of evolution
define the term natural selection
some characteristics are inherited as they aid the survival of an organism o they can reproduce and pass on their genes
define the term survival of the fittest
organsims who are suited to their enviroment will survive in order to reproduce (most adaptive)
what are the four reasons we evolve to be aggressive
- securing resources for survival
- protection of a mate
- status
- protection of offspring
explain ‘securing resources for survival’
aggression (fighting over/defending) limited resources such as food and shelter - aids survival and reproduction to pass on genes
explain ‘protection of a mate’
- sexual jealousy and aggression towards a rival might aid survival
- male who aggressively defended ‘his’ female would be the one to reproduce
- positive correlation between men using direct guarding and negative inducements
explain ‘status’
those who are of higher status (Alpha male) are less likely to be challenged - less fighting = more likely to survive to reproduce and pass on their genes
explain ‘protection of offspring’
aggression might aid survival of the genes if a male is aggressive to protecet their offspring
positives of the theory
- supporting evidence - Daly and Wilson - 8 studies on same sex killings involved in live triangles - 92% were males killing males
- supporting evidence - Buss and Shackleton - debasement when threatened
- credible - scientific studies such as Darwin - widely accepted in the scientific community
negatives of the theory
- seen as counter-productive as being aggressive may attract aggression from others - refutes idea that aggression aids survival
- unable to explain aggression towards strangers - frustration-aggression hypothesis - aggression is a result of frustration
- reductionist - isolates evolution - ignores other factors e.g. hromones
