Adaptive Functions

Adaptive Functions

1. The main function of aggression is adaptive.

2. Beneficial to survival because animals are forced to establish territory elsewhere, reducing competition pressure and the possibility of starvation.

3. Aggression establishes dominance hierarchies.

4. Male chimpanzees use aggression to climb their troop's hierarchy.

5. Pettit et al

   • Studied play groups of young children and observed how aggression played an important role in the development of some children's dominance over others.
   • This is adaptive behaviour because dominance over others brings benefits such as the power to get your own way and access to resources.