Chapter 2 - Evolutionary Psychology Flashcards
Evolution
The gradual process by which species develop from earlier forms.
Genes
Sequences of DNA which serve as coding instructions for making proteins.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid, a self-replicating chemical sequence in which genetic information is encoded.
Natural selection
The process whereby physical and behavioural characteristics which enable survival (and the genes which code for these) are passed on to descendants.
Reproductive success
Reproductive success is the ability to pass on copies of one’s genes to future generations and for these copies to be passed on to the next generation.
Adaptation
An adaptation is an evolved property of an organism, the original function of which adds to its fitness.
Sexual selection
The process whereby physical and behavioural characteristics which promote reproductive success (and the genes which code for these) are passed on to descendants.
Hominine
The term ‘hominine’ refers to all members of the human group, including humans themselves and their fossil ancestors.
Theory of mind
The ability to explain and predict the actions both of oneself and others; the ability to put oneself mentally in the place of another.
Developmental trajectory
The path or route that infants and children are expected to follow in relation to developmental changes.
Inclusive fitness/kin selection
Inclusive fitness, or kin selection, is ‘a measure of the proportion of an individual’s genes passing on to future generations directly via offspring and indirectly via other relatives’
Reciprocal altruism
A term used in evolutionary psychology to explain the evolution of behaviour benefiting others who are not kin and where the altruist benefits directly.
Indirect reciprocity
A term used to explain the evolution of behaviour that benefits others who are not kin and where the altruist does not benefit directly.
