Biological Basis of Personality - Evolutionary Theory

A collection of flashcards based on the lecture notes covering the biological basis of personality, evolutionary theory, natural selection, and sociobiology.

What is biological evolution according to Charles Darwin?

Changes in the genetic and physical characteristics of a population over time.

What does evolutionary psychology investigate?

It investigates how an organism’s evolutionary history contributes to the development of behavior patterns and cognitive strategies related to reproduction and survival.

What are ultimate causes of behavior?

Events and conditions that have slowly shaped the behavior of our species over successive generations.

What are proximate causes of behavior?

Immediate environmental variables that affect behavior.

What is adaptation in the context of natural selection?

The ability of generations of species to effectively adjust to changes in the environment.

Define natural selection.

The process whereby some variations in species are transferred from one generation to the next while others are not.

What are the three main components of natural selection?

Variability within species, inheritance of traits, and differential reproduction.

What occurs after many generations of natural selection?

The whole species changes to a new form that possesses advantageous characteristics.

How did long-necked giraffes evolve according to the example provided?

Giraffes with slightly longer necks survived better in the struggle for existence, leading to generations of long-necked giraffes.

What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

Genotype refers to the genetic makeup, whereas phenotype refers to the observable traits that result from that genotype.

What does sociobiology study?

The biological basis of all social behavior, especially in relation to evolutionary roots.

What are some characteristics of male attractiveness?

Height, broad shoulders, slim waist, chest muscularity, and certain testosterone levels.

What signals female attractiveness?

A low waist-hips ratio, youth, and indicators of health like full lips and smooth skin.

What do men generally want in a partner?

Youth, beauty, faithfulness, and fertility.

What do women generally seek in a partner?

Economic resources, social status, ambition, and commitment.

What is differential parental investment?

The greater consequences of having a child for females than males, leading to females being more selective with mates.

How do men and women differ in terms of infidelity?

Men prioritize sexual infidelity for paternity certainty, while women focus on emotional infidelity signaling diversion of attention.

What is inclusive fitness in evolutionary theory?

Natural selection favors organisms that maximize gene replication not only through reproduction but also by helping related individuals.

Why do humans exhibit altruistic behavior?

Because they are more likely to behave altruistically towards close relatives as it can benefit the propagation of shared genes.

How does evolution relate to trait theory and social behavior?

Certain personality traits enable cooperation and problem-solving in human groups, contributing to survival and success.