Biological Psychology: Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and the MAOA gene

Flashcards on Biological Psychology focusing on Darwin's Theory of Evolution, the MAOA gene, and aggression.

How did human brain circuitry evolve according to evolutionary psychology?

Human brain circuitry was naturally selected to solve recurrent adaptive problems inherent to the hunter-gatherer way of life.

What are some examples of recurrent adaptive problems faced by hunter-gatherers?

Tracking animals, evading predators, acquiring enough calories, finding a mate, and forming beneficial social bonds.

What are some similarities between apes and humans?

Communication, group work, ability to walk upright, and use of tools.

What are some differences between apes and humans?

Teeth, anatomy, brain size, language, and opposable thumbs.

What are the key steps in Darwin's Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection?

Genetic variation, environmental change creating selection pressure, survival and reproduction of organisms with favorable alleles.

What is a gene pool?

All the alleles of all the genes present in a population.

What is evolution?

The process by which inherited characteristics in living organisms change over generations.

What does 'survival of the fittest' mean in the context of evolution?

Organisms with the most favorable characteristics adapted to living in their environment will survive and reproduce.

What is natural selection?

Genes which are favorable are inherited by offspring while genes which do not aid survival are not.

What is genetic variation?

Differences between the genes of organisms in a species.

What is a gene?

Structural unit consisting of DNA which determines phenotypic characteristics.

What is a genetic mutation?

A change in the sequences of bases in DNA which alters the coding of a gene.

What is an allele?

A different form of the same gene produced during genetic mutations.

What is selection pressure?

Environmental and social factors which determine which characteristics are favorable.

What is epigenetics?

A combination of genetic and environmental factors causes the development of particular observable phenotypic traits.

What is Kin Selection?

Genes survive which determine behavior. Direct Fitness refers to genes providing a survival advantage and Inclusive Fitness refers to genes which are disadvantageous but may still be passed on by close relatives.

What is aggression?

A range of behaviors that can result in both physical and psychological harm to yourself, others, or objects in the environment.

According to Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection, what does survival of the fittest mean?

Organisms who are best suited to their environment survive, reproduce and pass on genes to offspring.

What does Sexual Selection refer to?

Success of reproduction rather than survival.

What are the survival and reproductive benefits of aggression?

Guarding a partner, guarding offspring.

What is the Mono Amine Oxidase A (MAOA) gene?

A gene that codes for the MAO-A protein.

What is the normal function of the MAO-A protein?

It normally breaks down excess neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

What happens when there is a mutation in the MAO-A gene?

Causes the enzyme to malfunction, causing excess neurotransmitters to remain in the synapse resulting in continued/sustained synaptic neurotransmission manifesting as aggressive human behaviour like violent outbursts and rage.

According to Thornhill & Palmer (2000) what did they hypothesise about humans and adaptations?

Hypothesize humans have evolved adaptations to rape to obtain otherwise inaccessible partners

According to Chester et al. (2015) what were the finding of the 'warrior gene'?

Low functioning MAOA-L genotype (‘warrior gene’) was linked to greater aggression.

According to Mertins et al. (2011) what were the findings with teh MAOA-H genotype?

High functioning MAOA-H genotype was associated with greater prosocial behaviour.

How does Henian et al (2013) refute the idea of the low MAOA-L genotype?

Refutes the idea of low MAOA-L genotype is linked to aggression instead proposes that low MAOA-L is linked to human happiness in females.

What is the Social Learning Theory according to Bandura (1966)?

Aggressive behaviour may be observed in the environment and imitated from same-sex role models.

According to (Freud, Lorenz 1966) does violence exist within everyone?

Violence exists within everyone due to a basic instinct to dominate, aggressive energy is an instinctive drive that builds up until it needs to be released.