Hormones and Ultimate Causation Flashcards
What are the Ultimate levels of analyses? (3)
- Evolutionary Theory
- Sexual Selection
- Parental Investment
What are the Proximate levels of analyses? (3)
- Behavior
- System levels
- Cellular and Molecular
What is natural selection?
Natural selection is the process by which certain traits become more common in a population over time because they provide some advantage for survival.
What is sexual selection?
Sexual selection shapes the evolution of traits based on their effectiveness in attracting mates.
How does the color of the feathers in a peacock ensure sexual selection?
Color of feathers determined by testosterone levels. (Endocrinology factor of evolutionary theory)
What is the theory of emotions in animals?
The original thought that animals are soulless.
What is the combo for reproductive success?
Fitness + Sexual Attractiveness
What are selfish genes?
Behaviors from genes make you more likely to pass those genes on.
What is the selfish gene hypothesis?
The selfish gene hypothesis frames evolution as a competition between genes, highlighting how the underlying goal of gene survival can drive behaviors and traits.
How is kinship explained?
Help others because we share similar genes.
What is inclusive fitness?
Fitness that is accrued by building a colony of similar genetic people.
What is parental investment theory?
Any investment by the parent in an individual offspring that increases the offspring’s chance at surviving.
What is the parent/offspring conflict?
The level at which a parent can invest in offspring before they can no longer take it. This is the point where the offspring gain independence.
