Evolution - Explaining aggression Flashcards
What are genes?
Contains DNA that carries info from 1 generation to the next
Influences development by triggering production of enzymes
What are genotypes + phenotypes?
Genotype = Genetic constitution
Phenotype = What individual becomes when genes interact with each other + environment
What are dominant + recessive genes?
Dominant genes = Always lead to certain characteristics
Recessive genes = Need more than one copy to produce characteristic
What does sex-linked mean?
Some diseases + characteristics are controlled by sex genes
This is why some diseases + characteristics are more common in a particular sex
Explain environmental triggers on genes:
Some genes don’t influence physical characteristics unless right environmental conditions occur
What is evolution?
How inherited characteristics in organisms change from generation to generation
Evolutionary psychologists argue that aspects of human behaviour result from evolutionary adaptations
Define fitness in evolution terms:
A measure of animal’s ability to pass on its genes, in terms of number of viable offspring that arise
What is adaptation?
Physical feature/behaviour adapted to an environment
These individuals that provide best fit survive + pass on genes
What is a mutation?
A change in genetic structure of an animal that makes it different from others of same kind
What is sexual selection?
Form of natural selection, individuals that are successful in attracting a mate out-reproduce others in that population
What are the first 3 principles of evolution? Explain what they are
- Natural selection + survival of the fittest = Some characteristics might aid survival over others, which die
- Genetic mutation = Large changes to sections of DNA, some beneficial + some detrimental
- Genetic drift = Not 100% of genes passed on through reproduction, 50% from each parent - genes may be lost
What are the last 3 principles of evolution? Explain what these are
- Heritable traits = Not all traits inherited, some traits come from interactions with environment
- Kin selection = Natural selection criticised, animals observed showing altruistic behaviour (selfless)
- Group selection = Individuals survive better when part of group - not all group share genes, but living in group leads to survival of genes
What is direct fitness + inclusive fitness in regards to kin selection?
Direct fitness = When gene gives characteristic that benefits survival of individual
Inclusive fitness = Characteristic disadvantageous to individual but beneficial to relatives
Why does natural selection only work?
If there’s sufficient variation in the species
Where do genetic mutations come from?
External sources
Mutations advantageous to organism change gene pool since more successful at reproducing - mutated gene inherited
What were the successful characteristics of males and females, according to environment of evolutionary adaptedness (EEA)?
Males = Physically big + stronger, most capable of providing food + protecting mates and offspring, naturally more aggressive when threatened
Females = Chose mates who provided good genes; big strong men, who provided resources - Those displaying aggressive traits more successful than those who didnt
What does the evolution theory suggest about aggression?
Males more physically aggressive than females
Females more verbally aggressive, dont want to risk offspring by engaging in violence
