Evolution, natural selection and aggression

Question 1

Evolution by natural selection:

When does evolution happen

Answer 1

When genetic differences between organisms cause variation

Question 2

Evolution by natural selection:

Why does the variation happen that causes evolution?

Answer 2

Variation happens because genes from our parents are combined, and also due to spontaneous mutations in genes

Question 3

Evolution by natural selection:

What is the cause of some species dying and others living?

Answer 3

Genetic differences, those with better suited genes survive and are able to reproduce and pass on their genes to offsprings.

Question 4

Evolution by natural selection:

Define natural selection

Answer 4

The ‘choosing’ done by the environment of individuals who can survive and reproduce successfully
- individuals are different from their predecessors

Question 5

Evolution by natural selection:

When does natural selection happen

Answer 5

happens when theirs competition for scare resources
- genes that are most useful are retained in the population
- the outcome of this is adaption

Question 6

Sexual selection:

define sexual selection

Answer 6

The influence of evolution acting on the success of reproduction

Question 7

Sexual selection:

What does sexual selection explain

Answer 7

Explains why some creatures with characteristics that may seem disadvantous actually grant a survival advantage because the characteristics are attractive to potential mates

Question 8

Sexual selection:

Give an example of an animal who has sexual selection

Answer 8

The male peacock – it’s tail may seem undesireable because it’s big appearance can attract predators, however it attracts females as it’s seen as a sign of genetic fitness

Question 9

Evolution and aggression:

In humans, what would have enhanced survival and reproduction

Answer 9

Being able to protect yourself and protect your partner

Question 10

Evolution and aggression:

What are some aggressive strategies men uses to gaurd their partner to keep them from ‘straying’ away.

Answer 10

Threatening any other possible ‘competition’

Trying to prevent unfaithfulness

Question 11

Evolution and aggression:

What are some aggressive strategies men use to guard their offspring

Answer 11

Act aggressive towards other people or animals that threaten their offspring

This aggression has adapted because of the childs valuable genetic commodity

Researcher pointed out - protecting offsprings is the only time females act just as aggressive as males

Question 12

Strength of the evolutionary theory:

What is a strength of the evolutionary theory

Answer 12

It can explain why males are more aggressive than females.

Question 13

Strength of the evolutionary theory:

How is naturally selected aggression levels in males different to females

Answer 13

Less aggressive females who coorporate are more likely to be naturally selected, it helps protect themselves and their offspring as a group.

Males who are aggressive are more likely to be selected as they make better hunters

Question 14

Strength of the evolutionary theory:

What is a study that shows this difference in aggression level

Answer 14

1991 study showed chimpanzees supports this pattern of gender differences

Question 15

Strength of the evolutionary theory:

Why is this a strength

Answer 15

Explains gender differences in aggression today and increases the validity of the theory

Question 16

Competing arguement of the strength of the theory:

What is a competing arguement to the strength of this evolutionary theory

Answer 16

Evolution is impossible to test directly, this is why most research is correlation research.

Question 17

Competing arguement of the strength of the theory:

Example fo correlation research evolutionary research

Answer 17

Finding associations between mate retention behaviours and aggression

Question 18

Competing arguement of the strength of the theory:

Why is using correlation research a weakness

Answer 18

Cannot establish a cause-and-effect relationship between variables as the variables are only measured and not manipulated

• can never rule out the effects of other factors on aggressive behaviour

Question 19

Weakness of the evolutionary theory

What is a weakness of this evolutionary theory on aggression

Answer 19

there are cultural differences of aggressive behaviour

Question 20

Weakness of the evolutionary theory

What study showed this

Answer 20

1967 study showed amongst the Kung San people aggression is discouraged from childhood, in contrast the Yanomami of Brazil have been ddescribed as ‘the fierce people’

Question 21

Weakness of the evolutionary theory

What do these results show

Answer 21

That difference in aggression is not universal and that innately determined behaviour can be outweighed by social norms

Question 22

Application to reproductive behaviour:

How can evolutionary theory help us understand human relationships.

Answer 22

It predicts that we should choose partners who will enhance our reproductive success

Question 23

Application to reproductive behaviour:

How did a study support this idea that we pick partners for reproductive success

Answer 23

David Buss found;

Males prefered younger more attractive women, because they are likely to be more fertile

Females prefered older, wealthier more ambious men, because their children would be better supported

Question 24

Application to reproductive behaviour:

what does this study show

Answer 24

predictions from the theory are upheld by evidence, increasing validity