Introduction

Question 1

How does an evolutionary explanation differ from a functional explanation?

Answer 1

An evolutionary explanation states what evolved from what. For example, humans evolved from earlier primates and therefore have certain features that we inherited from those ancestors, even if the features are not useful to us today. A functional explanation states why something was advantageous and therefore favored by natural selection.

Question 2

Describe reasons biological psychologists conduct much of their research on nonhuman animals.

Answer 2

Sometimes the mechanisms of behavior are easier to study in a nonhuman species. We are curious about animals for their own sake. We study animals to understand human evolution. Certain procedures that might lead to important knowledge are illegal or unethical with humans.

Question 3

What are the “three R’s” in the legal standards for animal research?

Answer 3

Reduction, replacement, and refinement.

Question 4

How does the “minimalist” position differ from the “abolitionist” position?

Answer 4

“minimalist” wishes to limit animal research to studies with little discomfort and much potential value. An “abolitionist” wishes to eliminate all animal research regardless of how the animals are treated or how much value the research might produce.