Chapter 6

Question 1

Theory which held that the Earth’s major features have resulted from gradual processes occurring over vast stretches of time and continue in the present much as they have in the past

Answer 1

Uniformitarianism

Question 2

What were the two lines of general thought adopted by Darwin while reflecting on his biological findings?

Answer 2

1. Functions of all animal characteristics
2. Geographical distributions of species

Question 3

The marvellously complicated organs of various species are so perfectly constructed and adapted that they must have been designed as finished products by some powerful and knowledgeable creator

Answer 3

Argument from design
(Paley)

Question 4

What were three arguments that human beings have descended from animal ancestors?

Answer 4

1. Struxtural similarities
2. Same mental faculties
3. Since animals demonstrate the rudiments for reason (memory, attention and curiosity and have the capacity for imagination)

Question 5

The gradual selection and evolution of characteristics that are specifically favourable for reproductive success

Answer 5

Sexual selection

Question 6

The widely held belief that men and women had evolved to have different, but complementary, psychological characteristics

Answer 6

Complementary of the sexes

Question 7

Individual organisms, species, political systems and entire societies are alike in their tendency to evolve from relatively simple entities into complex ones

Answer 7

Social-Darwinism

Question 8

The scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of non-human animals

Answer 8

Comparative psychology

Question 9

The basic approach which attempts to account for social behavioural traits as the result of individual but interacting genes tending to replicate themselves throughout successive generations

Answer 9

Sociobiology