Ethology and Evolution

• What is the scientific study of animal behaviour called?

  Ethology
• What is the term for the buildup of aggression inside animals as a drive?

  Drive
• Why do psychologists study animal behaviour?

  To understand human behaviour
• What is the innate releasing mechanism in animals?


  A neural circuit that stops aggression
• What is a fixed action pattern in animals?


  An innate, predictable set of aggressive behaviours
• What did Tinbergen's study on sticklebacks show?


  That sticklebacks have an innate releasing mechanism triggered by objects with a red belly
• What did Sackett's study on baby monkeys show?


  That monkeys are born with an innate understanding of aggressive postures
• What is the evolutionary theory explanation for aggression in humans?


  That aggression is due to biological forces and survival advantages
• What is the explanation for variations in aggression between males and females from an evolutionary perspective?


  Male sexual jealousy and the uncertainty of paternity
• What did Daly and Wilson's study on murder rates show?


  That non-genetically related family members are more likely to kill each other
• What is the role of dominance in attraction, according to Sadalla's study?


  That dominance is attractive, but aggression is not
• What is the difference between instinctual and premeditated aggression?


  Instinctual aggression is automatic, while premeditated aggression is planned
• What is the role of socialization in explaining variations in aggression?


  Socialization can explain differences in aggression between cultures and time periods
• What are the ethical implications of evolutionary theory on aggression?


  Evolutionary theory can be used to justify male violence towards women
• What is mate guarding, and how does it relate to evolutionary theory?


  Mate guarding is a behaviour where males limit access to females to prevent infidelity, and it is explained by evolutionary theory as a means to ensure paternity
• What is the difference between dominance and aggression?


  Dominance is characterized by competition, authority, and control, while aggression is characterized by physical or verbal attack
• What are the key components of ethology?


  * The scientific study of animal behaviour

  * The study of animal behaviour to understand human behaviour

  * The observation of wild animals to see evolutionary pressures in action
• What are the key concepts in Lorenz's explanation of aggression in animals?


  * The buildup of aggression as a drive

  * The innate releasing mechanism

  * The fixed action pattern
• What are the key findings of Tinbergen's study on sticklebacks?


  * Sticklebacks have an innate releasing mechanism triggered by objects with a red belly

  * Sticklebacks will attack unrealistic models with a painted red underside
• What are the key concepts in evolutionary theory on aggression in humans?


  * Aggression is due to biological forces and survival advantages

  * Male sexual jealousy and the uncertainty of paternity explain variations in aggression between males and females

  * Dominance is attractive, but aggression is not