Lecture #2 -

Question 1

What is Evolutionary theory?

Answer 1

Explains the diversity of life and sheds light on human nature

Question 2

What are the core concepts of evolutionary theory?

Answer 2

• Biological Influence
• Gradual Evolution
• Modern Evidence

Question 3

Uniformitarianism

Answer 3

○ A geological theory suggesting that the Earth’s crust changes through continuous and uniform processes over time.

Question 4

Reproductive Success (Fitness)

Answer 4

• The ability of individuals to survive and reproduce, passing on advantageous traits to the next generation.

Question 4

Natural Selection

Answer 4

• The process by which species adapt and evolve in response to environmental pressures.

Question 5

Variation in Fitness

Answer 5

• Not all individuals are equally “fit”; variations arise due to genetic differences.

Question 6

What Are Darwins Two Aspects Of Evolution?

Answer 6

1. Gradual Change Over Time
2. Divergence from Ancestral Lineages

Question 7

Inclusive Fitness

Answer 7

○ Inclusive fitness extends beyond an individual’s direct offspring to include the reproductive success of their kin.
○ It emphasizes the genetic success of relatives, as shared genes contribute to overall fitness.

Question 8

Fitness

Answer 8

○ Fitness refers to how well a particular genotype contributes to the next generation by producing viable offspring.
○ It measures the ability of an organism to survive, reproduce, and pass on its genes.

Question 9

Nature of Extinction

Answer 9

○ Extinction is a natural part of life’s cycle, where new species emerge, and others disappear.

Question 10

Causes of Extinction

Answer 10

• Mass Catastrophes
• Low Population Numbers and Inbreeding

Question 11

Adaptation

Answer 11

○ Adaptation is the process that drives evolutionary change, allowing species to become better suited to their environments.

Question 12

Phenotypic Plasticity

Answer 12

○ The ability of a single genotype to produce different phenotypes in response to varying environmental conditions.

Question 13

Nomological Network of Evidence

Answer 13

○ A framework used to integrate and consolidate various types of evidence to evaluate and support evolutionary theory.

Question 14

Construct Validity

Answer 14

The degree to which a concept or theory is accurately measured and supported by evidence.

Question 15

Limitations of Evolutionary Theory in Human Development

Answer 15

1. Speculative Basis for Ancestral Challenges
2. Gender Bias in Evolutionary Psychology
3. Explanatory Rather Than Predictive
4. Limited View on Human Cognition
5. Lack of Consideration for Cultural Transmission:

Question 16

Strengths of Evolutionary Theory in Human Development

Answer 16

1. Contextualizes Individual Development in Species Development
2. Explains Species Development and Origins
3. Integrates Research from Multiple Fields
4. Stimulates Research on Universal Features of Human Nature
5. Recognizes the Importance of Individual Differences and Biological Diversity