Lecture 16

Question 1

Sociobiology Definition

Answer 1

The systematic study of the biological basis
of all social behavior.
“Evolutionary approach to understanding social behavior.”

Question 2

Geoffrey Miller ‘Cultural Courtship Model’

Answer 2

Cultural Courtship displays (art and music etc) are self-expressive and show individual differences, an expensive use of time and energy, and usually have no survival benefits – but reveal quality mates.

Question 3

Cultural Courtship Model Predictions

Answer 3

1. Should be a strong sexual dimorphism in the display (males competing because no burden of pregnancy).
2. Display Increases rapidly at puberty, peaks at young adulthood in time of sexual competitiveness, and then gradually declines over adult life.

Question 4

“Cultural Courtship” Model and Runaway Selection Hypothesis.

Answer 4

Larger brain initially helping with survival, but then the gene for female choosiness aligned with a larger brain (more creative/intelligent being more attractive) and then breeding bigger brained offspring etc.