Evolution, natural selection and aggression Flashcards
What is evolution?
The changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations
What is natural selection?
The major process that explains evolution whereby inherited traits that enhance an animal’s reproductive success are passed on to the next generation and thus “selected” whereas animals without such traits are less successful at reproduction and their traits are not selected.
What is sexual selection?
An evolutionary explanation of partner preference. Attributes or behaviours that increase reproductive success are passed on and may become exaggerated over succeeding generations of offspring.
Why does evolution happen?
It happens because genetic differences between organisms create variation.
How are genetic differences created?
Such variation arises because genes from parents are combined and also due to spontaneous mutations in genes.
What is natural selection most commonly referred to?
Survival of the fittest
When does natural selection happen?
When there is competition for scarce resources (including reproductive males)
Why do males “guard their partners”?
Mate retention strategies are often aggressive behaviours men use to retain their partners and prevent them from “straying”.
What does guarding your offspring mean? And why do we do it?
Human parents will direct aggressive acts against other people (or animals) that threaten their children. This Aggression is adaptive because each child is a valuable genetic commodity. Aggression is a way for parents to protect their “investment” increasing the offspring reproductive chances later in life.
How does the evolutionary theory explain gender differences?
Females who are cooperative are likely to be naturally selected because cooperation helps them protect themselves and their offspring as a group. Therefore, reduced aggression is selected in females. In contrast males who are aggressive are more likely to be naturally selected because they make better hunters.
Evidence from studies of chimpanzees supports this pattern in gender differenct
What example shows that the evolutionary theory not show cultural differences?
Amongst the !Kung San people of the Kalahari aggression is discouraged from childhood and is therfore rare. In contrast the Yanomamu or Venezuela and Brazil have been describes as “the fierce people”- aggression appears to be an accepted behaviour to gain status in their structured society
