Evolutionary Explanation of Agression Flashcards
What is evolution?
The change in a species over time through natural selection.
What is natural selection?
Where genes which are beneficial for survival in a certain environment are selected for through better survival or reproduction.
What is the environment of evolutionary adaptation?
The environment you currently live in that your genes are operating in.
What is “the warrior gene”?
MAOA which effects serotonin meaning higher aggression.
What is a genotype?
The complete gene profile of an individual.
What is a genotype?
The complete gene profile of an individual.
What is a phenotype?
The visible traits of an organism which is how their genes interact/are expressed in a certain environment.
What is the belief about aggression coming from evolutionary theory?
Aggression was beneficial to the survival/reproduction of our ancestor.
What are reasons aggression is thought to be beneficial?
Ancestors were able to use aggression to gain and protect their resources beneficial for survival, ancestors were able to scare off rivals meaning they were able to mate and reproduce, ancestors were able to deter partners from fidelity.
How does sexual selection work for aggression?
Aggression would help males gain dominance and resources and so women were attracted to more aggressive males.
Why are females seen as less aggressive than males?
Physical aggression is too risky, i.e. harm to unborn children - a selection for social aggression instead.
