Week 8: What does Evolution have to do with Psychology? Flashcards
What is Evolutionary theory?
Evolutionary theory concerns the origin and function of all aspects of human and animal nature, both physical and behavioural.
What does Evolutionary theory demonstrate?
o Demonstrates the link between all forms of life.
o Provides an overarching account of how and why different cognitive and behavioural capacities came to exist.
o Demonstrates how behavioural characteristics and their physical mechanisms have evolved together.
o Provides a framework for the connection between genetics and behaviour.
What is Natural Selection?
Natural Selection is a theory proposed by Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace
o Natural Selection is a process where organisms adapt and change.
What are the consequences of Natural Selection?
o Diversification and evolution of new species
o Enhanced fitness
o Universal traits within species
o Genetic determination or predisposition of behaviours (innate)
What are inherited Advantageous Traits?
Natural selection is a process that causes genetic traits that are helpful for survival and reproduction to become more common.
What is Survival and Reproductive Success?
Individuals with certain variants of the trait tend to survive and reproduce more than individuals with other less successful variants.
What are Physical Adaptations?
Physical Adaptations are traits that make an organism better suited to its environment.
What are Psychological Adaptations?
Psychological Adaptations involves competition for resources, securing a mate, caring for the young.
