Evolution Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is heredity?
The passing of traits from parents to offspring through sexual reproduction.
What is a trait?
A distinct variation of a characteristic, e.g., blue eyes.
What is the study of heredity called?
Genetics.
What field studies gene expression influenced by environment?
Epigenetics.
Name a few human behaviors shared with animals.
Mate selection, maternal love, self-preservation, facial expressions.
What principle is central to Darwin’s theory of evolution?
Survival and reproduction of the most adaptable individuals.
Why is Darwin’s theory called “a theory in crisis”?
He lacked knowledge of genetics, which modern biology has since provided.
What does evolutionary psychology propose about the mind?
It is shaped by natural and sexual selection.
How do evolutionary psychologists explain universal behaviors?
As adaptations to ancestral survival challenges.
What is a vestigial trait?
A retained trait that has lost its original function over time.
What did Planck’s study find about infants’ fear of spiders/snakes?
Babies as young as 6 months showed stress responses—suggesting innate fear.
Give an example of an evolved behavior related to gene transmission.
Jealousy in romantic relationships to ensure genetic lineage.
What was the physiological sign of fear in the study?
Enlarged pupils when viewing snakes/spiders vs. neutral objects.
What is sexual selection?
Mating strategies shaped by psychological adaptations.
What is incest avoidance?
An evolved behavior to avoid mating with close relatives.
Why did incest avoidance evolve?
To reduce genetic defects and increase offspring survival.
What survival function does disgust serve?
Protects against disease and harmful substances.
What physical reaction may prevent germs due to disgust?
Scrunching the nose to block nasal germ entry.
What was the aim of Fessler’s study?
To see if disgust sensitivity increases in the first trimester.
What was the method used?
Online survey with 691 pregnant women rating nausea & disgust.
What were the key findings?
Food-related disgust was highest in the first trimester.
What evolutionary explanation did Fessler give?
Disgust protects mother and fetus from foodborne diseases.
What is one limitation of Fessler’s study?
It used self-report surveys which may be unreliable.
What ethical concern is noted in the study?
Using pregnant women and exposing them to disgusting stimuli.
