Evolutionary explanations

• What do evolutionary explanations of human aggression focus on?

  The adaptive nature of behaviour
• Why are modern behaviours believed to have evolved according to evolutionary explanations?

  Because they solved challenges faced by our distant ancestors
• What are some adaptive problems that aggression would have solved for our ancestors?

  Gaining resources, intimidating rivals, and deterring infidelity
• How does aggression enhance survival and reproductive success according to evolutionary explanations?

  By solving adaptive problems that increase chances of survival and reproduction
• What is sexual competition in the context of evolutionary explanations of aggression?

  Competition among males for access to females
• How might aggression be used to eliminate competition in sexual competition?

  Through physical competition against rival males
• What traits suggest that competition among ancestral males occurred?

  Men have 75% more muscle mass than women and are more aggressive
• What anthropological evidence supports the idea of aggression among ancestral males?

  Males have thicker jawbones, possibly from fighting
• What is sexual jealousy in the context of male aggression?

  A response to parental uncertainty regarding offspring
• Why are men at risk of cuckoldry?

  Because they can never be entirely sure they are the biological fathers
• What is the adaptive function of sexual jealousy expressed through aggression?

  To deter a mate from sexual infidelity
• What strategies do males use to keep their mates according to Buss (1988)?

  Violence or threats of violence against perceived rivals
• Why might men engage in warfare despite its dangers?

  Displays of aggression and bravery are attractive to females
• What percentage of conflicts in Daly and Wilson's study arose from marital dissatisfaction?

  29%
• What did Daly and Wilson (1988) find regarding murders in relationships?

  Victims were usually killed by their partners
• What can result from perceived affronts to male status?

  Acts of male-on-male violence
• How can understanding aggression lead to practical applications?

  • Friends and family can intervene in relationships
  • Early relationship counseling can address jealousy and infidelity
  • Reducing aggression can benefit potential victims
• What factors might influence aggression aside from evolutionary past?

  Levels of hormones or neurotransmitters
• What do Buss and Shackelford (1997) suggest about the evolutionary approach to aggression?

  It cannot explain individual differences in responses to infidelity
• What is the potential benefit of early relationship counseling?

  It could help reduce aggression resulting from jealousy