WEEK 2 REVIEW QUESTIONS - EVOLUTIONARY THEORY

WEEK 2 REVIEW QUESTIONS - EVOLUTIONARY THEORY

1. EXPLAIN DARWIN'S THEORY OF NATURAL SELECTION.

   • 3 essential components:
     • - Variation, - Inheritance (heredity), - Evolution by natural selection (Differential reproductive success)
   • Adaptions: natural selection produces designs for reproduction.
   • Some animals reproduce, others don't.
     • Those best suited/fit to environment leave most offspring
   • Heredity: offspring like parents.
     • Next Generation different from current - cuz born from best breeders
       • Natural Selection builds better & better adapted individuals through generations

2. WHAT IS KIN SELECTION & ALTRUISM & HOW ARE THE TWO RELATED?

   • Altruism accounted for by concept of 'selfish genes'
     • Two selfish-gene explanations proposed:
       • Kin selection & reciprocal altruism
   • Altruism = self-destructive behaviour performed to benefit others - long been the paradox for evolutionary psychologists.
   • 2 interrelated principles

3. EXPLAIN RAPE & SEXUAL ASSAULT FROM AN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE.

4. EXPLAIN SPOUSAL ASSAULT FROM AN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE.

5. EXPLAIN CHILD ABUSE FROM AN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE.

6. WHAT IS THE ENVIRONMENT OF EVOLUTIONARY ADAPTEDNESS, & WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGISTS?

7. ACCORDING TO EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY, WHY DO BLOOD RELATIVES KILL EACH OTHER SO RARELY?