Evolutionary explanation for behaviour Flashcards
Evolution
The process by which all living things have develop from simple life forms to their current complex state through natural selection, adaptation, and reproduction.
Natural selection
Individuals in a species show a wide range of variation due to differences in their genes.I ndividuals with characteristics most suited to the environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on genes that are beneficial for survival. Individuals that are poorly adapted to their environment are less likely to survive and reproduce, meaning that their genes are less likely to be passed to the next generation. Given enough time, a species will gradually evolve.
Sexual selection
The evolutionary process where individuals with certain traits are more successful in attracting or retaining mates, leading to the evolution of those traits within a population.