15.3.2 Evolutionary Explanations

• What is one adaptive function of aggression outlined in evolutionary explanations?

  Territory defense
• MAOA gene studies link genetics to aggressive tendencies
• Evolutionary explanations consider historical context by explaining aggression as a result of natural selection across generations.
• Match the weakness of evolutionary explanations with its description:

  Determinism ↔️ Suggests behavior is genetically predetermined

  Oversimplification ↔️ Reduces complex behaviors to evolutionary advantages

  Lack of clear evidence ↔️ Relies on indirect or speculative evidence

  Ignores cultural influences ↔️ Fails to account for culture and social learning
• Twin studies, such as Rhee et al. (2013), found that heritability accounts for 40-50% of aggression
• What did Daly and Wilson's cross-cultural studies on male homicide rates find?

  Status is valued
• Lorenz's animal studies demonstrated ritualized aggression in dominance hierarchies.
• Order the evolutionary functions of aggression as they relate to Darwin's theory:

  1️⃣ Securing resources

  2️⃣ Protecting territory

  3️⃣ Gaining status

  4️⃣ Finding mates
• The adaptive function of aggression in human evolution includes securing resources like food, water, and shelter
• What does heritability measure in the context of aggression?

  Genetic contribution
• Evolutionary explanations of aggression focus on the idea that aggressive behavior is a result of natural selection
• What is one example of how aggression helps secure resources in human evolution?

  Competing for food
• The adaptive functions of aggression are driven by natural selection.
• Which gene is associated with increased aggression when it has low activity?

  MAOA
• Gene-environment interaction refers to how genetic predispositions can be amplified or suppressed based on an individual's experiences
• Match the evolutionary mechanism with its function:

  Resource competition ↔️ Obtain essential resources

  Territory defense ↔️ Protect territory from intruders

  Mate competition ↔️ Compete for access to mates

  Social hierarchy maintenance ↔️ Establish and maintain social order
• Which theory does the success of aggressive traits align with in passing on genes?

  Darwin's theory
• Evolutionary mechanisms shape aggressive behavior as adaptive strategies
• Darwin's theory of natural selection supports the idea that aggression can enhance survival and reproduction.
• What is the role of natural selection in shaping aggression?

  Passes on successful traits
• Aggression helps secure scarce resources like food and water
• Mate competition often involves males competing for females.
• What do evolutionary explanations of aggression propose about its origins?

  Natural selection
• An example of evolutionary aggression is male lions fighting for dominance
• Order the adaptive functions of aggression in human evolution:

  1️⃣ Securing resources

  2️⃣ Protecting territory

  3️⃣ Gaining status

  4️⃣ Finding mates
• The adaptive functions of aggression align with Darwin's theory of natural selection.
• What do genes contribute to regarding aggressive behavior?

  Genetic predisposition
• Heritability estimates the proportion of trait variability due to genetic factors.
• Low MAOA activity correlates with increased aggression, especially in males with childhood trauma.
• Which neurotransmitter is regulated by TPH1 and TPH2 genes?

  Serotonin
• Match the gene with its impact on aggression:

  MAOA ↔️ Low activity increases aggression

  TPH1/TPH2 ↔️ Variations cause irritability
• What does gene-environment interaction refer to in the context of aggression?

  Genes amplified by experiences
• Genes alone determine aggressive behavior, regardless of upbringing or social norms.

  False
• An example of resource competition is animals fighting for access to a limited water source
• What is the overarching evolutionary principle that explains aggressive behavior as adaptive?

  Darwin's theory
• Territory defense ensures exclusive access to resources and mates.
• Mate competition in male deer involves clashing antlers
• Why is understanding evolutionary mechanisms of aggression important?

  To explain its prevalence
• Aggressive traits that enhance survival are passed on to future generations through natural selection.
• What is the central idea of Darwin's theory of natural selection relevant to aggression?

  Advantageous traits increase survival