Ch 2 Key Concepts Flashcards
Sexual selection
A form of natural selection which is a process of passing on characteristics through genes which promote reproductive success. Intrasexual selection involves competition between one sex, usually males leading to the evolution of traits which increase competitive ability (for example, antlers or large canines). Intersexual selection is when a mate selects another based on an inherited characteristic or an ability that highlights the mates qualities. Examples physical - peacocks plumage indicates health behavioural - promote defense of territory. Genetic characteristics will be passed on that promote successful reproduction, individuals without them would be lost from the gene pool. Males and females have different reproductive strategies; males increase reproductive success by mating with several females however females boost success by seeking mates based on adaptive qualities and their ability to provide resources. This suggests explanations for differences between males and females and that adaptations evolve through both sexual and natural selection.
Natural selection
In Darwin’s theory of evolution natural selection is a process in which genes code for adaptive characteristics, encouraging and promoting survival and passed onto generations. Genetic variation leads to competition for resources - this highlights a that variation which is fit, i.e. successful will be passed down to generations due to reproductive success. Natural selection leads to adaptations, which increase survival within a particular environment. An example would be that Darwin suggested that finches adapted the shape of their beaks to seek appropriate food sources. A criticism of evolution is that it assumes everything is an adaptation. Natural selection is important because it demonstrates how humans have adapted to their environments and continue to alter the world around them.
Theory of mind
The ability to put oneself mentally in someone else’s place, thereby understanding their motivation and beliefs and see situations from their viewpoint. This allows people to analyse and predict the behaviour and events more accurately. TOM is thought of as fundamental aspect of being human. Variations of the maxi test have been carried out on children, in which Chandler et al claimed to observe elements of TOM in children as young as 2. Those with autism lack theory of mind and have difficulties with social relationships and language suggesting a link between these deficits and TOM. Research has been done on chimps, but it results are inconclusive. Evolutionary psychologists suggest that TOM is universal and therefore an evolved adaptation.
Reciprocal altruism
An act of cooperative behaviour that benefits unrelated people, in which is repaid later. While difficult for evolutionary psychology to explain, Trivers argued that reciprocal altruism may indirectly promote survival of an individual as the one who was helped may return the favour. RA depends upon ability to detect non-reciprocal behaviour and therefore was critical in the development of theory of mind. Experiment such as the prisoner’s dilemma, in which people choose to cooperate or defect, however this method suffers from low ecological validity and cultural bias. There is evidence of reciprocal altruism in olive baboons and dolphins, yet results are inconclusive in chimps. RA is important because from an evolutionary standpoint it helps to understand why people behave in an altruistic way when there is a potential cost.
