The Evolutionary Explanation Of Aggression

Question 1

What is evolution?

Answer 1

Any behaviour or characteristic that aids survival (natural selection) and reproduction (sexual selection) can lead to increased survival rates and be passed onto future generations.

Question 2

What are the three primary reasons for aggression?

Answer 2

Infidelity and jealousy
Limited resources
Strength

Question 3

Why does aggression increase due to infidelity and jealousy?

Answer 3

Jealousy can trigger aggression due to the fear of loss of a mate. This can mean that reproduction is prevented and genes can no longer be passed on.
This implements mate retention strategies such as direct guarding and negative inducement used in order to protect their mate- this is evidently seen more in males.

Question 4

Why are males more likely to demonstrate mate retention strategies?

Answer 4

Because they can never be 100% certain the offspring is theirs.

Question 5

Why does aggression increase due to limited resources?

Answer 5

Competition between other species to gather and maintain resources that aid survival and reproduction

Question 6

Why does aggression increase due to strength?

Answer 6

Helps to show dominance to prevent rivalry increasing chance of survival and reproduction

Question 7

How does evolution explain aggression due to hormones?

Answer 7

Males have higher levels of testosterone- more aggressive
Those who were more aggressive would survive and reproduce so these genes would be passed down by sexual selection onto offspring.
Testosterone levels would be determined by chromosomes- XY or XX
Environment—> mutation of DNA —> testosterone higher —> more aggressive —> survive and reproduce —> offspring inherit

Question 8

Describe the evolutionary explanation of aggression (4 marks)

Answer 8

The evolution explanation suggest that aggression has aged survival and therefore any genes which may have led to aggression will be passed out to the next generation. Aggression, therefore, is a behaviour which is a result of sexual and natural selection. Aggression can be due to the fear of infidelity and jealousy to try and protect the person mate, so males especially have aggressive strategies such as direct guarding and emotional manipulation. However, aggression can also be an effective behaviour to fight for limited resources and ensure the person is seen as strong to reduce competition for resources and mates. Consequently, resources are protected as well as individuals being able to reproduce.