Evolutionary explanations for behavior

Question 1

evolution

Answer 1

Evolution is the changing in the inherited traits for a species over time.
Darwin proposed the theory of evolution - he suggested that those who adapt best to environmental challenges will have the strongest chance of survival and passing on their genes during reproduction.

Natural selection refers to the idea that members of a species who survive competition and breed will have characteristics better suited to the environment and are therefore more likely to pass on these traits to their offspring.
It results in successive generations of species to develop characteristics that make it more competitive in its field, otherwise known as adaptations
Evolutionary explanations suggest that if a behaviour exists today, then it must have helped past human survival and reproduction.
Any behaviour that has helped a species survive and reproduce is called adaptive

Question 2

emotion disgust

Answer 2

-the feeling of revulsion or distaste
- The behavioural adaptation for avoiding the ingestion of pathogens
Evolved as a protection from risk of disease (adaptation that serves as a guard against disease)
-The more vulnerable a person is, the greater the importance of disease avoidance and carefulness
-People with lowered immunity should be the most sensitive to disgust and so more protected from infection and bacteria.
-Biologically based response to disease salient stimuli that reduces the risk of disease.
-Curtis says that disgust is an adaptation to avoid disease causing microbes and parasites not only through taste and smell but also through sight and touch
-There are SIX categories of disgust
Poor hygiene
Animals that may cause disease (rats)
Sexual behaviours
Atypical appearance
Lesions and visible signs of infection
Decaying/rotten food
-If disgust is a product of evolution then:
Should be stronger in response to stimuli associated with disease
Responses to disgust should be similar across cultures
Females should be more prone to finding something disgusting as they have to protect their reproductive systems and their babies
Disgust should weaken as an individual becomes older as their reproductive potential declines

Question 3

critical thinking

Answer 3

By viewing behaviours from an evolutionary perspective we can make sense of certain behaviours and reactions, which aren’t generally supported by other approaches. Eg disgust or fear
HOWEVER there are limitations
Evolutionary theories are based on the assumption that behaviour is inherited so it is difficult to know to which extent behaviours are inherited.
The hypothesis is difficult to test. It is impossible to observe evolution in humans. Even if it were possible, our environment has also changed over time. We have very limited knowledge about the characteristics of early homo sapiens so how we ‘used to be’ is hypothetical
Evolutionary arguments underestimate the role of cultural influences in shaping behaviour
Assumption that behaviours are universal in human beings
Evolutionary arguments don’t establish cause and effect and are overly descriptive. They are correlational in nature.
Many studies are self reported (questionnaires) so there may be the effect of demand characteristics eg social desirability effect