Evidence of Nature: Darwin's Evolutionary Theory

• What year did Darwin propose his theory of natural selection?

  1859
• What does Darwin's theory of natural selection suggest about genes?

  Genes improving survival are passed on
• How does non-verbal behavior function in animals according to the study?

  It expresses emotion to aid survival
• Why is baring teeth considered an adaptive behavior?

  It scares opponents, increasing survival chances
• What does opening eyes wide indicate in humans?

  Surprise
• How did the behavior of opening eyes wide evolve?

  From animals seeking escape routes from danger
• What are serviceable habits in the context of evolution?

  Behaviors adaptive to distant ancestors
• What are the strengths of Darwin's evolutionary theory regarding non-verbal communication?

  • Supported by research on facial expressions
  • Universal emotions identified by Ekman
  • Innate behaviors observed in newborns
• What are the six primary emotions identified by Ekman?

  Surprise, fear, disgust, anger, happiness, sadness
• What does the universality of a behavior suggest according to Ekman's research?

  It indicates a genetic basis for the behavior
• What does the ability of newborns to smile suggest about their behaviors?

  These behaviors are innate and evolutionarily selected
• What is a weakness of Darwin's theory regarding non-verbal communication?

  • Struggles to explain cultural differences
  • Personal space and gestures vary by culture
  • Suggests biological uniformity among humans
• What does cultural variation in non-verbal communication suggest about humans?

  We are not biologically the same