Evolution and behaviour

• > Charles Darwin created a theory called natural selection

  > This theory suggests that any genetically determined behaviour that increases an individuals chances of survival and reproduction will continue to be passed on to future generations eg. intelligence

  > This process takes place 'naturally' so no one decides what is selected

  > Individual possesses certain beneficial traits will have increased chances of survival and therefore will be able to pass beneficial traits to their offspring
• > Evolution can explain a range of behaviours such as aggression

  > Being aggressive would have been advantageous in terms of survival and increasing reproduction

  > Aggression would have increased their chances of gaining resources such as hunting food

  > Research into the genetic basis of behaviour has found that one third of men have the 'warrior' gene which is linked to aggressive behaviour