Intro to evolutionary theory and psychology I Flashcards
What is Platonic idealism in philosophy?
Platonic idealism suggests that there are essential kinds of things, with perfect forms existing independently of the material world. These forms are the basis for understanding the nature of all things.
What is Aristotle’s concept of the Scala Naturae?
The Scala Naturae, also known as the Great Chain of Being, is the idea that species are fixed and arranged hierarchically, with inanimate matter at the bottom and humans at the top.
What is Uniformitarianism in geology?
Uniformitarianism is the principle that geological phenomena can be explained by processes observable in the present, suggesting that the same natural laws apply throughout time.
What was Thomas Malthus’s theory on population growth?
Malthus proposed that while food supply increases linearly, population grows exponentially, leading to competition for resources and potential population checks, such as famine or disease.
What are the key tenets of Darwin’s theory of evolution?
- Species are not immutable.
- Natural selection is the mechanism of change.
- More organisms are born than can survive, creating competition.
- There is inherited variability, and advantageous traits are passed on.
- Over time, species adapt to changing environments (Descent with Modification).
What are some challenges to Darwin’s theory of evolution?
Problems include the unknown medium of heredity, altruistic behaviors (e.g., alarm calling), and the existence of costly traits (e.g., the peacock’s tail) that seemingly hinder survival.
What are the two main types of sexual selection described by Darwin?
- Intrasexual Selection: Male-male competition for mates (e.g., size differences in elephant seals).
- Intersexual Selection: Mate choice by females, such as the preference for peacock tail size.
How does reproductive success differ between males and females, according to Darwin?
In many species, males’ reproductive success increases with the number of mates, while females’ reproductive success tends to be more constant regardless of the number of mates.
Intrasexual Selection in Pinnipeds
In pinnipeds, male-male competition for mates is evident, with larger males controlling harems. The size disparity between males and females correlates with larger harem sizes across species.
How does intersexual selection work in peacocks?
Female peacocks prefer males with more complex and larger eye spots on their tails, which is a sign of good health and genetic fitness.
What is sexual dimorphism in humans and its implications?
Sexual dimorphism in humans includes physical differences such as males being larger, having greater upper body strength, and differing in secondary sexual traits like body hair and voice pitch.
What are some human mate preferences across cultures, as found by David Buss (1989)?
Women generally value earning potential in mates, while men tend to prefer younger women, reflecting reproductive strategies linked to resource acquisition and fertility.
What do lonely hearts advertisements reveal about male and female mate preferences?
In advertisements, women tend to offer physical appearance more than men, while men offer financial security more than women. However, women are more likely to seek financial security than men.
What is the significance of waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in female attractiveness?
A waist-to-hip ratio of 0.7 is associated with better reproductive health and attractiveness, as it correlates with lower risks for diseases like Type II diabetes and heart disease.
What do Upper Paleolithic ‘Venus’ figurines suggest about ancient human ideals of beauty?
These figurines, with exaggerated features like large hips and breasts, may reflect ideals of fertility, health, or prosperity during challenging times, such as the Ice Age.
