The role of evolution and natural selection

• What is the basis of evolutionary psychology?

  Evolution by natural selection
• What does evolution refer to in biological terms?

  Changes in inherited characteristics over generations
• How does variation arise in a biological population?

  Through genetic differences and mutations
• What is the role of individuals with advantageous traits in evolution?

  They pass their genes to the next generation
• What does natural selection involve?

  Inherited traits enhancing reproductive success
• What does 'survival of the fittest' mean in evolutionary terms?

  Traits that fit the environment are selected
• How do evolutionary psychologists view the mind?

  As evolved like the body for behavior
• What is the Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness (EEA)?

  Conditions where a species adapted over time
• What do evolutionary psychologists study to understand the EEA?

  Fossil records
• What are the steps evolutionary psychologists take to study aggression?

  1. Analyze fossil records for EEA insights
  2. Speculate adaptive behaviors in EEA
  3. Match behaviors to modern universal behaviors
  4. Suggest genetic determination of behaviors
• Why might aggression have been an adaptive trait in the EEA?

  It increased survival and reproductive success
• What are some reasons aggression was adaptive in the EEA?

  • Gaining territory and resources
  • Defense against attackers
  • Sexual jealousy and rivalry
  • Negotiating status and power
  • Mate selection
• How did aggression help in gaining territory and resources?

  It allowed fighting for food and shelter
• Why was aggression necessary for defense against attackers?

  To protect mates and offspring from threats
• How did aggression relate to sexual jealousy in males?

  It helped defend females from rivals
• What role did aggression play in negotiating status and power hierarchies?

  It established stronger positions in social groups
• How did mate selection relate to aggression in males?

  Females preferred males with aggressive traits
• Why might females be less physically aggressive than males?

  Pregnancy and child-rearing limit aggression
• What biological differences might exist between men and women regarding aggression?

  Differences in brain structure and chemistry
• What did Buss (1999) propose about female competition for mates?

  Females compete for the best mate through social means
• What are some strengths of the evolutionary theory of aggression?

  • Supports understanding of gender differences
  • Provides evidence from studies like Brendgen
  • Explains aggression's evolutionary basis
• What are some weaknesses of the evolutionary theory of aggression?

  • Difficult to measure evolutionary mechanisms
  • Reductionist approach oversimplifies aggression
  • Cannot explain all variations in aggression
• How does the theory of aggression relate to social learning theory?

  It does not account for learned behaviors
• Why is it complex to determine the impact of evolution on aggression?

  Many variables influence aggression development