Intro to evolutionary theory

Question 1

Platonic idealism is the p____ basis for the idea that there are e____ kinds of things

Answer 1

The philosophical basis for the idea that there are essential kinds of things

Question 2

Define scala naturae (Aristotle)

Answer 2

Great chain of being. Species are fixed and arranged hierarchically.

Question 3

What years did the Voyage of the H.M.S. Beagle take place?

Answer 3

1831-1836

Question 4

Define Uniformitarianism
Explain g____ p____ by appeal to g____ p____ currently o____

Answer 4

Explain geological phenomena by appeal to geological processes currently observable

Question 5

What are the two tenets (principles) of Darwin’s (1859) theory?
1. S____ are not i____
2. There is a m____ for the m____ of s____: n____ s____

Answer 5

1. Species are not immutable (unchanging over time)
2. There is a mechanism for the modification of species: natural selection

Question 6

What are three problems with Darwin’s theory?

Answer 6

1. Medium or vehicle of heredity unknown
2. Altruistic behaviour
3. Elaborate, costly appendages

Question 7

What are the two types of sexual selection?

Answer 7

1. Intersexual selection
2. Intrasexual selection

Question 8

What are David Buss’ two hypotheses?
1. Women should seek…
2. Men should prefer…

Answer 8

1. Women should seek resource-gathering potential in mates
2. Men should prefer younger (more fertile) women

Question 9

The term idealism means that the r____ world is i____ and e____, our s____ perceive only an i____, i____ world

Answer 9

The real world is ideal and eternal, our senses perceive only an illusionary, imperfect world

Question 10

Define catastrophism

Answer 10

The notion that geological events happened in great cataclysmic upheavals

Question 11

In how many countries did Buss find women valued earning potential (resource gathering) more than men?

Answer 11

36 out of 37 countries (97%)