Evolutionary influences

Question 1

What is meant by evolution?

Answer 1

Evolution is the changes of physical and behavioural characteristics over time to adapt to the demands of the individual’s environment

Question 2

What is natural selection?

Answer 2

Natural selection is the theory that any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individual’s chance of survival and reproduction will be passed onto the next generation

Question 3

At what level does natural selection take place?

Answer 3

At the level of genes

Question 4

Explain the concept of Biological Preparedness

Answer 4

• Evolutionary psychology suggests certain fears are adaptive behaviours that helped our ancestors survive
• Seligman proposed the concept of biological preparedness as an inherited predisposition to fear certain types of animals (e.g. snakes) to help us survive