instincts, selection and evolution Flashcards
what are the 3 basic human instincts
survival, sex and competition
who proposed natural selection
charles darwin
what did natural selection suggest
survival of the fittest (genes), competition for scarce resources, genes most useful are passed on
what does sexual selection suggest
characteristics most attractive to mates give an advantage over competitors for reproduction rights, so are passed onto further generations
what does evolution suggest about causes of aggression
human and animal instincts to protect mates and offspring causes aggression where needed
give the strengths for this theory
- explains gender differences
- men more aggressive
- cooperative women naturally selected
give an opposing argument
just correlational, can’t draw cause and effect conclusions
give a differing theory
doesn’t explain cultural differences, suggests that genetics are outweighed by cultural norms
give an application
understand relationships
males prefer younger attractive women - enhances reproductive success
females prefer older wealthier men - children better supported
