Evolutionary Psychology of Social Behaviour

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to evolutionary psychology and social behavior as discussed in the lecture.

Evolutionary psychology

A theoretical approach to psychology that examines mental traits—such as memory, perception, and language—through the lens of evolutionary theory.

Kin altruism

A form of altruism where individuals are more likely to help relatives to increase their shared genetic material.

Parental investment

Any investment by a parent in an individual offspring that increases the offspring’s chance of surviving at the cost of the parent’s ability to invest in other offspring.

Reciprocal altruism

An evolutionary theory which suggests that individuals may engage in altruistic behavior towards others with the expectation that those individuals will reciprocate in the future.

Fission-fusion societies

Social systems in which groups of individuals split into smaller groups and later merge back together, as seen in humans and chimpanzees.

Morphological signals

Physical changes in species that indicate adaptations such as increased tolerance and cooperative behavior.

In-group loyalty

The tendency of individuals to favor their group over others, often leading to hostility towards out-groups.

Anthropological significance of cooperation

The hypothesis that cooperation and social support have driven human evolution, evidenced by behaviors such as care for the injured.

Aggressive displays in males

Aggressive actions or behaviors exhibited by male orangutans when encountering each other, particularly in the context of territory or mating.

Survival of the friendliest

A concept suggesting that social bonds and cooperative behaviors have evolved to enhance survival and reproductive success in humans.