evolution Flashcards
evolution and aggression
looks at explaining our behaviour in terms of how it has aided our survival and reproduction. In the same way physical features evolved our brain evolved to allow psychological features to be passed onto our offspring.therefore,evolution of aggressive behaviour is assumed to have occurred over generations because it would be useful for survival of the individual and species
what did buss et al find?
found that we used aggression to get resources,to gain status and reputation,and fighting for a mate
gender differences in aggressive behaviour
Barash found soldiers, executions, hunters, and slaughterhouse workers overwhelmingly male
Wilson and Daly status competition males will participate in risky activities and argued females will be attracted to risk takers + analysed data from police records in Detroit and found more homicides were committed by young, unmarried males
Describe how the theory of evolution can explain aggressive behaviour
The theory of evolution can explain aggressive behaviour as It argues that those in the population that had the genes that made aggressive behaviour more likely would have been well adapted to the competitive and dangerous environment of early humans- meaning they would have had a chance at survival and reproduction which is survival o the fittest.So by natural selection the gene for aggression would be passed onto the next generation whereas those without this gene would be more likely to die out. eg buss et al…
strength of evolution as an explanation for aggression PEEC
The scientific credibility of the OG theory of evolution is high and there’s much supporting evidence. For example, Darwin provided many scientific observations that supported his ideas like his famous finches which had different beak sizes depending on the island due to their adaptation to different food sources on different islands. This means, that there is falsifiable evidence that can be observed as they adapt to survive and reproduce.However, much of the evidence only supports the evolution of physical characteristics and it’s much harder to find behavioural evidence.Nevertheless, the idea aggression has evolved has much evidence to support it. For example, Wilson and Daly homocides in Detroit..
Weakness of evolution as an explanation for aggression PEEC
Scientific cred is lowered and difficult to test that aggression has evolved a vital survival behaviour. This is because we cannot empirically test an idea that depends on environments in the past. Difficulty explaining without linking to protection, /mate or offspring. Social learning better explanation eg Bandura
Explain how evolutionary theory can account for human development.
Language could be explained in terms of genes and brain structure. Those in the population who had the genes that made language acquisition easier would be able to communicate more easily and aid their chances of survival and reproduction. Natural selection can explain language acquisition. This would be when heritable traits become more common in an environment because they help our survival.
