Evolution

• AO1 1 - general evolution

  Evolution is the process of change over generations in which we inherit characteristics that provide an adaptive function to aid survival. This is known as survival of the fittest, that an organism that is best suited to their environment will survive.
• AO1 2 - EAA (males)

  Yet, according to the EEA aggression has evolved to provide an adaptive function. Men are physically bigger and stronger. This is so they can protect and provide resources such as food for themselves and their offspring, including taking resources from rival males so they have the survival advantage, as well as higher status. This aggression, allows them to be seen in an attractive light from females who will want to mate with them, and continue their genetic line.
• AO1 3 - females

  However, Females have evolved to be less aggressive as an adaptive function as they need to spend long periods of time looking after children, and aggression could cause them to harm the offspring.  However, Buss argues women are more socially aggressive being negative and degrading about other women, so they will look like less attractive as potential partners and the women being negative will look more attractive to men.
• AO1 4 - MAOA

  The MAOA gene is known as the warrior gene and helps the metabolization of noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine. A dysfunction, so low activity, in this gene can result in these neurotransmitters not being broken down in the body which leads to aggression.
• :) Mazur

  found marked difference in inter-male fighting in rats around puberty when there is an increase in aggression. This is when their sexual instincts and the ability to pass on their genes begin. T/f supports idea that aggression is linked to ensuring survival of genes
• :) Chester

  found that males who have a low functioning MAOA gene had greater periods of aggression compared to those with normal functioning MAOA gene. T/f shows deficiencies in MAOA genes leads to an inability to regulate aggression and can be passed down in the genes of males, thus supporting the evo exp of aggression
• :( Issues with Mazure - Anthropomorphic

  Large differences between mice and humans, mice more instinctive, and have different genotypes, gene expression ect. T/f findings cant be generalised from mice to humans, unrepresentative.
• :( Post Hoc

  Making judgments about behaviour by looking backwards and arguing that a specific behaviour must be adaptive because it persists. T/f decreases val of theory